When the lilacs bloom along the Lakefront and the air smells like fresh-cut grass and brats on the grill, you know it’s time to take the party outside. Milwaukeeans know how to soak up spring and summer—and there’s no better excuse than a garden party to show off your cocktail skills.

Whether you’re hosting in a Bay View backyard, on a patio in the Third Ward, or tucked away in a secret garden in Riverwest, these floral cocktails bring the season to your glass with a distinctly local flair. Cheers to blooming gardens and booze that blossoms.

Cream City Petal Punch

This playful punch is perfect for spring brunches or outdoor get-togethers. The name nods to Milwaukee’s nickname—“Cream City”—from the light-colored bricks that adorn many historic buildings. With floral tea, citrus, and a bubbly lift from local seltzer, it’s light, bright, and best served by the pitcher.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brewed hibiscus tea, chilled
  
• 1 cup gin (try Great Lakes Distillery’s Rehorst Gin)
  
• 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur
  
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  
• 1/4 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
  
• Top with local craft seltzer (such as Top Note Sparkling Water)
  
• Lemon wheels and edible flowers for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Combine tea, gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a large pitcher with ice.
   
2. Stir well, then top with seltzer.
   
3. Garnish with lemon wheels and edible flowers.
   

Tip: Steep your hibiscus tea with a few dried rosebuds for extra floral aroma.

The Lakeside Lavender Spritz

Inspired by warm evenings along Lake Michigan at Bradford Beach or the Marina, this cocktail is refreshing, aromatic, and subtly sweet. Lavender and lemon create a soft floral flavor that pairs perfectly with prosecco and the buzz of a backyard speaker bumping some Milwaukee soul.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka (use Central Standard’s Door County Cherry Vodka for a twist)
  
• 1/2 oz lavender simple syrup
  
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
  
• 3 oz prosecco or dry sparkling wine
  
• Lavender sprig or lemon peel for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, lavender syrup, and lemon juice.
   
2. Shake until chilled and strain into a flute or wine glass.
   
3. Top with prosecco and garnish with a sprig of lavender or twist of lemon.
   

Pro tip from Bartender Milwaukee: Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for that pro touch.

Brew City Bloom Old Fashioned

You didn’t think we’d skip the Old Fashioned, did you? This floral remix of Wisconsin’s favorite cocktail uses a rosehip-infused syrup and orange blossom water to gently dress up the usual suspects. It’s still got that supper club soul—just in a silkier suit.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz brandy (or bourbon, if you must)
  
• 1/2 oz rosehip syrup
  
• 2 dashes orange bitters
  
• 1–2 drops orange blossom water (go easy!)
  
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass with ice, stir brandy, rosehip syrup, bitters, and orange blossom water.
   
2. Strain into a lowball over fresh ice.
   
3. Garnish with an orange wheel and Luxardo cherry.
   

Rosehip syrup can be found at local shops like Outpost Natural Foods—or make your own with dried rosehips, sugar, and water.

Floral Cocktails, Brew City Style

Floral cocktails aren’t just pretty—they’re an invitation to play with layers of flavor and fresh seasonal ingredients. Milwaukee’s cocktail culture, from craft distillers to creative bartenders, offers a lot of inspiration.

According to the pros at Bartender Milwaukee, the key to a killer floral cocktail is balance. You want your drink to smell like a garden but not taste like potpourri. Here’s how they recommend getting it right:

• Use floral elements as accents, not the main event. Think lavender bitters or hibiscus syrup—not both at once.
  
• Lean into local. Milwaukee’s distillers offer botanically interesting gins, vodkas, and liqueurs that elevate any floral cocktail.
  
• Don’t forget the garnish. A sprig of rosemary, a pansy, or even a floral ice cube can make your cocktail pop.
  

Where to Source Local Cocktail Ingredients

Milwaukee’s farmer’s markets—from the South Shore Market to the Fondy Farmers Market—are brimming with fresh herbs and edible flowers. Stop by for mint, basil, and seasonal blooms like violets and nasturtiums.

Looking for something stronger? Swing by Great Lakes Distillery, Central Standard, or Twisted Path for locally distilled spirits that bring a sense of place to your pours.

Final Toast

Whether you’re crafting a crowd-pleasing punch or riffing on the state’s most sacred cocktail, floral drinks add elegance and creativity to any garden gathering. And let’s face it—Milwaukee knows how to party with purpose. With a few herbs, a splash of spirit, and the right amount of sunshine, your garden party will bloom into a true Brew City bash.

Thirsty for more tips, tricks, and tutorials? Check out Bartender Milwaukee for classes, private event services, and cocktail inspiration rooted right here in MKE.