I really like drinks that feel fresh and simple to whip up at home. A Blueberry Vodka Spritzer is easy to mix, needs just a handful of ingredients, and tastes light and fruity.
This one uses fresh blueberries, vodka, and sparkling water. It’s a pretty solid choice for those warmer days when you want something chilled but not heavy.
I found out you can mix up this cocktail in just a few minutes. It’s great to share with friends, but honestly, I’ll make it just for myself sometimes too.
The blueberries bring a natural sweetness—enough to notice, but not so much that it’s cloying.
Equipment
- A cocktail shaker is handy for mixing everything together.
- I always reach for a fine mesh strainer if I’m muddling fresh blueberries—it catches all the skins and seeds. It’s just less messy that way.
- I like pouring the spritzer into a tall glass, something like a highball or Collins.
- Measuring is easier with a jigger, but I’ll admit, a tablespoon works in a pinch.
- Sometimes I use a small bowl for the blueberries when muddling, just to keep things tidy.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Optional: lemon slices mint sprig, extra blueberries for garnish
Instructions
- I start by tossing the blueberries into the shaker. Then I muddle them, but not too aggressively—just enough to get the juice out.
- Next, I add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. I fill the shaker with ice, pop the lid on, and shake for about 15 seconds.
- I strain the mix into a tall glass packed with fresh ice cubes. Then I pour club soda or sparkling water over the top and give it a gentle stir.
- For garnish, I usually go with a few blueberries, a lemon slice, or a mint sprig. Sometimes all three, if I’m feeling fancy.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Blueberry Vodka Spritzer, the first thing I notice is the aroma. It’s got that fresh blueberry smell, with a little hint of lemon from the juice.
The flavor starts off sweet, thanks to the blueberries. It blends with the crisp vodka, and the bubbles from the club soda make it feel extra refreshing.
Texture and Mouthfeel:
- Light and bubbly
- Slightly cool and crisp
- No sticky aftertaste
On the finish, the lemon comes through more. There’s a gentle tartness that balances out the sweetness, which I really like.
I find it easy to drink—not too strong or overwhelming. The blueberry flavor comes through clearly, but it doesn’t drown out the other ingredients.
It’s a pleasant choice, especially if you’re into milder cocktails. I’d say it’s one of those drinks that just works for a lot of different tastes.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have blueberry vodka sitting around. In that case, I’ll swap in plain vodka and toss in a bit more blueberry syrup, or maybe muddle some fresh blueberries for that flavor boost.
If I’m in the mood for a sweeter drink, I’ll use flavored sparkling water instead of club soda. Lemon-lime soda works too, though it does give the drink a different vibe—sometimes a nice change.
If someone at my gathering isn’t drinking, I just leave out the vodka and add extra sparkling water or maybe lemonade. Easy fix, honestly.
Every now and then, I’ll use blackberries or raspberries if I run out of blueberries. Their flavor actually works pretty well in the spritzer—might even be better, depending on the day.
Swapping lime juice for lemon juice changes the taste a bit, but it still keeps things nice and refreshing. Not a bad trade, really.