Wondering what fruits and vegetables are in season in May? Look no further! In this seasonal produce guide, you’ll find a list of the best May produce along with the best seasonal cocktail and mocktail recipes for this time of year.

Fresh, seasonal produce is one of my favorite sources of inspiration for cooking and mixing up drinks, so I wanted to share what fruits and vegetables to look out for this May. Shopping for produce when it is in its peak season ensures it has the best quality and taste and can also save you money!

Produce that is in peak season in May includes artichoke, asparagus, blueberries, grapefruit, kiwi, mango, passion fruit, peas, pineapple, radishes, rhubarb, and strawberries.

Best May Produce for Cocktails and Mocktails

May seasonal produce is amazing for mixing up unique cocktails and mocktails! It is a big transition month where you may still see some great citrus available, but we’re also starting to see berries enter peak season and some favorites that are unique to this time of year like rhubarb and passion fruit!

Strawberry mimosas recipe in 2 coupe glasses, garnished with strawberries and chamomile

Blueberries

Blueberries are in peak season from May to late summer. Blueberries are a really versatile ingredient because they can be muddled, pureed or made into a syrup. Try it them in my Creamy Blueberry Mojito or Blueberry Espresso Martini.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is in peak season from November to early spring. To pick the best grapefruit, look for fruit that’s heavy for its size. That means it’ll be juicier. Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice adds bitter citrus notes to beverages. Try it in the Grapefruit Eastside Cocktail or my Grapefruit Rose Mocktail Spritz. Check out my other grapefruit recipes here.

Kiwis

This tropical fruit may make you think summer, but kiwis are actually in peak season from late autumn to early spring. Try it muddled or pureed in cocktails and mocktails. I love it in a cocktail like Kiwi Be Friends? or non-alcoholic drink like the Kiwi Crush Mocktail.

Mango

Mangoes are one of my favorites! This delicious, tropical fruit is an amazing in drinks. There are several different types of mango varieties that range in color, but generally you’ll know a mango is ripe if it is slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. They are in peak season from May to late summer. Try my Boozy Mango Shaved Ice or Mango Rum Swizzle.

Passion Fruit

Passion fruit starts popping up at my farmer’s market this time of year and is perfect for bright, tropical cocktails! Its peak season is February to June. You can use the pulp or juice in cocktails and mocktails. I love it in a Passion Fruit Caipirinha (Caipirinha de Maracuja) or a Passion Fruit Ginger Mocktail.

Pineapple

Pineapple is in peak season from April to July. You know pineapple is ripe when it has a bright yellow color and sweet aroma. Try it muddled, juiced, or blended in cocktails and mocktails. Try my Fiery Pineapple Margarita or Pineapple Coconut Mockarita.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is one of those special ingredients that is only available few months of the year, so when I see it, I always grab it. You can usually find rhubarb in season between April and June. Rhubarb stalks are usually pink or red and look similar in shape to celery. Rhubarb has a tart, sour flavor and is often paired with strawberries (also in season right now). To best bring out the flavor, I recommend making a rhubarb simple syrup like in this Rhubarb Empress & Tonic or trying an infusion like in this Rhubarb Sgroppino.

Strawberries

When strawberries are in season, you can really taste the difference! Even though you can get them year round, strawberries peak early spring through fall. There are so many ways to use strawberries in drinks. Try them, muddled, pureed or make a strawberry syrup. Enjoy them in a cocktail like my Strawberry Southside Cocktail or a mocktail like the Strawberry Southside Fizz Mocktail.

Other May Seasonal Produce to Enjoy

  • Artichoke: One of my personal favorites, artichoke is in season March to June and also in the fall.
  • Asparagus: Asparagus is usually available year round but peak season is March to June.
  • Peas: Peas are in season from late spring to early summer.
  • Radishes: Radishes are in season late spring to early fall.

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