A fresh twist on classic gin cocktails, the Raspberry Gin Smash brings sweet berries and aromatic herbs together in one glass.
This simple recipe needs just five ingredients: gin, fresh raspberries, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
The bright red color makes this drink perfect for summer parties, date nights, or any special occasion.
The natural sweetness of ripe raspberries balances the juniper notes in the gin, while mint adds a cool finish.
Home bartenders can make this recipe in under five minutes with basic bar tools.
The smashing technique releases the fruit’s natural juices and oils from the mint, creating deep flavors without fancy equipment or skills.
Raspberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Collins glass
- Ice
- Measuring jigger
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 8-10 fresh raspberries
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
- Extra raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- Add raspberries and simple syrup to the shaker. Muddle until the raspberries release their juice.
- Pour in the gin and lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture into the glass through a fine-mesh strainer.
- Top with club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with fresh mint and raspberries.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
A Raspberry Gin Smash combines sweet and tart flavors in a refreshing mix. Fresh raspberries add bright fruitiness while mint brings cool, garden-fresh notes.
The gin’s botanical elements shine through with hints of juniper and citrus. Mixed with fresh lime juice, it creates a balanced drink that’s not too sweet or sour.
This cocktail has a light pink color from the muddled raspberries. The aroma blends mint, berries, and gin’s herbal qualities.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Fresh raspberry: Sweet-tart fruit
- Mint: Cool and fresh
- Gin botanicals: Juniper and herbs
- Lime: Bright citrus
- Simple syrup: Clean sweetness
The texture is smooth with tiny bits of crushed raspberry and mint. Ice dilution makes it pleasantly cold and easy to drink.
Each sip starts with berry sweetness, moves to herbal gin notes, and ends with mint and lime. The flavors work together without any single element taking over.
Substitute
You can switch raspberries for other berries in this cocktail. Blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries work well. Each berry creates a unique flavor and color.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace gin with club soda or tonic water. Add a splash of lime juice to match the gin’s tangy notes.
No fresh berries? Use frozen ones instead. Let them thaw for 15 minutes before muddling. The drink will stay cold longer with frozen fruit.
Alternative spirits:
- Vodka for a lighter taste
- White rum for tropical notes
- Prosecco for a bubbly twist
Can’t find fresh mint? Use basil leaves. They add a different but pleasant herbal note to the drink.
Replace simple syrup with honey or agave nectar. Start with half the amount since these alternatives are sweeter than simple syrup.
