When I want a drink that’s both sweet and refreshing, I make a Raspberry Lemonade Cooler Cocktail at home.
This easy recipe mixes fresh raspberries, tart lemonade, and a splash of vodka for a simple yet tasty cocktail. I can quickly put it together with ingredients I usually have on hand.
The bright flavors of raspberry and lemon make it perfect for warm days or when I’m craving something fruity.
I like how the drink looks with its pink color and bits of fruit floating in the glass. It’s just fun to serve.
This cocktail is easy to adjust depending on what I’ve got around.
I can add more lemonade if I want it less strong, or toss in extra raspberries for a bold taste. Sometimes I even wing it a bit.
Raspberry Lemonade Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- A cocktail shaker helps blend the liquid ingredients well.
- I also need a muddler to smash the raspberries and release their juice.
- If I don’t have a muddler, the back of a spoon works in a pinch.
- A fine mesh strainer is useful if I want to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother cocktail.
- I always use a measuring jigger or small measuring cup for accurate portions.
- Serving the drink in tall glasses helps keep it cold, especially with lots of ice.
- A citrus juicer is handy for squeezing fresh lemons quickly, but honestly, sometimes I just use my hands.
Ingredients
Here’s what I need to make one Raspberry Lemonade Cooler Cocktail:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice about 1-2 lemons
- 1 oz simple syrup I mix equal parts sugar and water
- 2-3 oz club soda
- Ice
- Optional lemon slices and extra raspberries for garnish
Using fresh lemon juice gives the best taste.
Instructions
- First, I add the raspberries and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Using the muddler, I press down firmly to break up the berries and mix their juices with the syrup.
- Next, I pour the lemon juice and vodka into the shaker.
- I fill the shaker with ice and fit the lid snugly. Then I shake it hard for about 15 seconds—sometimes a little longer if I’m in the mood.
- If I prefer a clear drink, I strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- For extra style, I pour club soda on top and give it one little stir.
- Adding a lemon slice or extra raspberries on the rim is a nice touch, too.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
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Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Raspberry Lemonade Cooler, the first thing I notice is the fresh raspberry flavor.
The berries taste sweet and just a little tart. Lemon adds a sharp, bright taste that makes the drink feel refreshing.
The cocktail is smooth and cool over ice.
I find that the hint of mint brings a gentle, herbal scent. This makes the drink lighter and more crisp.
I notice that the balance between sweet and sour is easy to sense. Nothing tastes too strong or overpowering.
The finish is clean.
My mouth feels lightly cooled, and I get a touch of berry sweetness at the end. This drink is gentle and not heavy, so I can easily enjoy a second glass.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have all the ingredients for the Raspberry Lemonade Cooler Cocktail. It’s honestly pretty common, but I’ve found a few swaps that work surprisingly well.
If I’m out of fresh raspberries, I reach for frozen ones. They give almost the same taste and color—maybe even a little brighter, actually.
No raspberries at all? I’ll grab strawberries or blueberries instead. Both add a nice flavor, though the color shifts a bit.
When there’s no lemonade in the fridge, I just mix up some lemon juice, water, and a spoonful of sugar. Store-bought lemon juice is fine if fresh lemons are nowhere to be found.
For the alcohol, sometimes I swap out gin for vodka or white rum. Each one makes the drink taste a bit different, but honestly, they’re all good in their own way.
I also use sparkling water instead of soda water if that’s all I’ve got. If I’m making it non-alcoholic, I just skip the alcohol and pour in more lemonade or a splash of fruit juice.
