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Home » Drinks

27 Bright Cocktails That Make April Happy Hours Shine

Published: Apr 23, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Bright cocktails make April happy hours feel like the real start of spring. The colors pop, the flavors hit just right, and everything feels a little more relaxed. These are the kinds of drinks that work great whether you're hanging out on the porch or just winding down after a long day. They're simple, fresh, and made to keep things easy.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Raspberry-Mojito-Cocktail-SM-Image-1.jpg

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Ocean Water Cocktail

Ocean Water Cocktail. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Coconut water, pineapple juice, and coconut rum come together fast in this beachy cocktail. It’s an easy way to bring a laid-back, tropical feel to spring hangouts.
Get the Recipe: Ocean Water Cocktail

Strawberry Sour Candy Cocktail

Strawberry Sour Candy Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bright pink and candy-sweet, this drink keeps things fun without slowing you down. It mixes up fast and brings a bold, playful vibe that fits the season.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Sour Candy Cocktail

Cherries and Cream Layered Jello Shots

Cherries and Cream Layered Jello Shots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These layered jello shots look fun on the table and double as dessert and drink. Prep them ahead and let them do the work of making your party feel like a party.
Get the Recipe: Cherries and Cream Layered Jello Shots

Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita

Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Tart hibiscus, pomegranate, and lime come together for a bold, colorful drink. It’s simple to shake up and brings the kind of energy that makes spring gatherings pop.
Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita

Passion Fruit Lime Margarita Cocktail

Passion Fruit Lime Margarita Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This margarita hits hard with citrus and passion fruit, making it a punchy way to kick things off. It’s quick to make and fits right into the rhythm of a spring evening.
Get the Recipe: Passion Fruit Lime Margarita Cocktail

Best Strawberry Daiquiri

Best Strawberry Daiquiri. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh strawberry and lime make this daiquiri crisp and easy to sip. It’s fast to prep and fits right in with the bright, easygoing mood of April happy hours.
Get the Recipe: Best Strawberry Daiquiri

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Mint, lime, and raspberries bring a cool, fresh combo that works great outside. This drink is light, quick to make, and made for spring get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Champagne Cocktail

Champagne Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Champagne keeps things classic with bubbles and simplicity. It’s the kind of drink you can pour without thinking and still feel like you nailed the moment.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Cocktail

Strawberry White Wine Spritzer Cocktail

Strawberry White Wine Spritzer Cocktail. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Strawberries, lemon, and basil come together fast in this refreshing spritzer. It’s perfect when you need a quick drink that still feels right for an Easter table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry White Wine Spritzer Cocktail

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Blackberry Bourbon Smash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Bourbon and blackberries team up for a bold but easy cocktail with just a few steps. It brings rich flavor that’s still fresh enough for a lively spring party.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Toffee Apple Cider Fireball Hot Toddy

Toffee Apple Cider Fireball Hot Toddy. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider, toffee, and whiskey make this hot drink rich and cozy. It’s great for cooler nights when you still want the party to keep going.
Get the Recipe: Toffee Apple Cider Fireball Hot Toddy

Blackberry Mojito

Blackberry Mojito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Blackberries, lime, and mint make this mojito a sharp, clean choice for holiday drinks. It’s easy to mix and adds some brightness to the table without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Mojito

Kir Royale Champagne Cocktail

Kir Royale Champagne Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Champagne and crème de cassis keep things simple and classy. This drink comes together fast and feels made for toasts and easy elegance.
Get the Recipe: Kir Royale Champagne Cocktail

Lemon Basil Strawberry Gin Rickey Cocktail

Lemon Basil Strawberry Gin Rickey Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Strawberry, lemon, basil, and gin combine with soda for a crisp Rickey. It’s light, easy to mix, and just right for daytime drinks without slowing down.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Strawberry Gin Rickey Cocktail

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Pomegranate and orange liqueur turn champagne into something bright and festive. This cocktail adds color and energy with zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Cranberry Orange Prosecco Punch

Cranberry Orange Prosecco Punch. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cranberry and orange juice pair with prosecco in this quick, crowd-ready punch. It’s light, fresh, and fits right into group celebrations without extra prep.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Prosecco Punch

Cranberry Moscow Mule

Overhead image of cranberrry moscow mule with ice in mugs.
Cranberry Moscow Mule. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Cranberry and ginger beer give this Moscow mule a clean, crisp edge. It’s fast to make and perfect for keeping the holiday mood going strong.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Moscow Mule

Mojitorita Cocktail

Mojitorita Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lime, mint, and tequila come together in this fresh mashup of two classics. It’s quick, cool, and made to keep the party easy and fun.
Get the Recipe: Mojitorita Cocktail

Raspberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail

Raspberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fresh raspberries and bourbon bring a bold but balanced flavor that mixes up fast. This one belongs in any spring gathering where you want something simple but strong.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail

Cranberry Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Cranberry Cosmopolitan Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Vodka, cranberry, and orange liqueur mix into a balanced, easy cocktail. It’s great for small bites or a quick round before dinner with friends.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Sweet Tart Shots

Sweet Tart Shots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These candy shots are bright, bold, and made for quick fun. They’re easy to make and hit the party vibe from the first round.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Tart Shots

Electric Lemonade

Electric Lemonade. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Vodka, lemonade, blue curaçao, and soda come together for a bright, tropical drink. It’s bold, colorful, and perfect for adding energy to any spring get-together.
Get the Recipe: Electric Lemonade

Tequila El Diablo Rojo

Tequila El Diablo Rojo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tequila, lime, blackcurrant liqueur, and ginger beer make this drink big on flavor. It’s a striking option that fits right into parties without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Tequila El Diablo Rojo

Manhattan Cocktail

Manhattan Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whiskey, vermouth, and bitters combine for a clean, smooth sip. It’s a quick way to bring a more polished feel to any happy hour or evening gathering.
Get the Recipe: Manhattan Cocktail

Envy Cocktail

Envy Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This blue tequila cocktail comes together in minutes with just three ingredients. It’s easy, eye-catching, and fits right into any party setup.
Get the Recipe: Envy Cocktail

Spiced Pineapple Hot Buttered Rum Toddy

Spiced Pineapple Hot Buttered Rum Toddy. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Butterscotch and spiced rum meet pineapple in this warm drink. It’s a great pick when things cool down but the celebration keeps going.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pineapple Hot Buttered Rum Toddy

Maple Apple Whiskey Sour

Close-up image of a glass of maple aple whiskey sour.
Maple Apple Whiskey Sour. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider, maple syrup, and whiskey mix into a smooth, balanced cocktail. It’s quick to shake up and fits easily into fall and winter drink menus.
Get the Recipe: Maple Apple Whiskey Sour

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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