Vodka cocktails bring excitement to any gathering, and the Berry Vodka Smash stands out as a sweet and refreshing choice.
This simple cocktail combines fresh berries, mint leaves, vodka, and a splash of lime juice to create a bright and fruity drink perfect for warm afternoons or evening parties.
The mixture of berries adds natural sweetness and a pretty pink color to the drink. The mint leaves give it a cool, garden-fresh taste that makes people want another sip.
You can use any mix of berries you like. Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries all work great.
This drink takes just 5 minutes to make and needs basic bar tools most people already have at home. The recipe makes one serving but can be doubled or tripled to serve more guests.
Berry Vodka Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Rocks glass
- Ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz premium vodka
- 6-8 fresh mixed berries raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Club soda
- Extra berries and mint for garnish
Instructions
- Add berries and mint leaves to the cocktail shaker.
- Muddle the berries and mint gently until the berries release their juices.
- Pour in the vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with fresh berries and a mint sprig.
Notes
Best Tried & Tested Equipment
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Tasting Notes
The Berry Vodka Smash offers bright, fresh flavors that blend sweet and tart notes. Fresh berries provide natural sweetness, while lemon adds a zesty kick.
The drink starts with crisp vodka notes, followed by a burst of mixed berry flavors. The mint leaves add a cool, refreshing touch that complements the fruit.
Key Flavor Elements:
- Sweet mixed berries
- Bright citrus
- Cool mint
- Clean vodka base
The texture is light and refreshing. Ice helps dilute the drink just enough to create a smooth, easy-sipping cocktail. The muddled berries give the drink a slightly pulpy texture.
A gentle sweetness from simple syrup balances the tart lemon juice. The berries create a natural fruit sweetness that isn’t too sugary or artificial.
The drink has a beautiful purple-red color from the fresh berries. Small bits of mint and crushed berries float throughout, making it visually appealing in a clear glass.
Substitute
Don’t have fresh berries? No problem. Frozen berries work just as well in this vodka smash recipe. Let them thaw for 15 minutes before using.
Skip the vodka to make a non-alcoholic version. Replace it with club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
Out of fresh mint? Try 2-3 drops of mint extract instead. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it adds a nice minty touch.
Here are some berry substitutions that work well:
- Raspberries for blackberries
- Strawberries for raspberries
- Mixed berries instead of a single type
- Blueberries for blackberries
The simple syrup can be swapped for:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
- Sugar-free simple syrup
Want it less sweet? Cut the sweetener in half or leave it out. The berries add natural sweetness to the drink.
