This Raspberry Lime Sparkler Cocktail is a refreshing drink that mixes fresh raspberries, lime juice, and sparkling water for a fruity taste.

I find that using simple, real ingredients brings out the best flavors. The recipe only takes a few minutes and doesn’t call for any fancy tools, which is always a relief.

I enjoy serving this cocktail at gatherings because it looks pretty and is easy to make.

The drink has a nice balance between sweet and tart, making it light and pleasant for warm weather.

Raspberry Lime Sparkler Cocktail Recipe

This recipe combines fresh raspberries and lime for a simple sparkling drink. I focus on clear steps, easy equipment, and practical notes for best results, though sometimes I just wing it.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

First, I need a cocktail shaker for mixing the juice and raspberries.
A muddler helps crush the raspberries better, but if I don’t have one, a sturdy spoon works.

A fine mesh strainer is useful for keeping seeds and pulp out of the finished drink.
For measuring, a jigger or any small measuring cup does the trick.
I pour the drink into two highball glasses or whatever sturdy glasses I have on hand.

A bar spoon stirs the drink well, but honestly, a regular teaspoon is fine too.

Ingredients

Fresh raspberries 1/2 cup
Lime juice 1 ounce about 1 lime
Simple syrup 1 ounce
Vodka 2 ounces
Sparkling water 1 cup chilled
Ice cubes As needed
Lime slices For garnish

Instructions

First, I place the raspberries and lime juice in the cocktail shaker.

Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, I mash the berries until they break down and release juice. This lets the flavors blend together, and it’s oddly satisfying.
Next, I add simple syrup and vodka (if using) to the shaker.
I fill the shaker with ice, then shake it hard for about 10 seconds. This chills the drink and mixes everything.

I strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into two glasses filled with fresh ice.
Then I top each glass with chilled sparkling water and stir gently. I add a lime slice or a few raspberries for garnish before serving. Sometimes I get fancy with a mint sprig, but not always.

Notes

Fresh berries make a difference in taste and color.

If raspberries aren’t available, I use frozen ones after thawing and draining them. I really prefer fresh lime juice over bottled—there’s just no comparison.

If I want a sweeter drink, I add a little more simple syrup or reduce the lime juice slightly.

For a non-alcoholic version, I just skip the vodka and add more sparkling water. I always serve the drink immediately so it stays fizzy and cold.

Sometimes I swap vodka with gin for a different flavor.

Adding a mint sprig as a garnish gives a cool touch. I use large cubes or spheres of ice to slow down melting and keep the drink cold longer.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip, the first thing I notice is the sharp bite of the lime.

It gives a clean, tart edge to the drink that wakes up my taste buds. The raspberry flavor follows, adding a faint sweetness and a mild berry note. It balances the citrus without feeling sticky or too sugary.

There’s a bubbly fizz that I enjoy with each sip.

It feels light on my tongue and keeps the drink feeling fresh.

Key Flavors I Taste:

Lime
Raspberry
Fizzy bubbles

After I swallow, I’m left with a fresh, citrusy aftertaste.

The drink isn’t heavy or syrupy, which makes it easy for me to finish. The color is bright pinkish-red, and the scent is mostly lime with a hint of berry.

If I add fresh mint, it has a cool touch on the nose and palate. It’s a small detail, but I think it really adds something.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have fresh raspberries or lime at home. When that happens, I’ll use whatever fruits or juices are hanging around.

If I’m skipping the alcohol, I just add more soda or a splash of juice. Sometimes I’ll toss in a little simple syrup or honey if I want it sweeter.

There are days when I don’t feel like dealing with fresh fruit at all. Frozen berries work fine—just let them thaw and crush them up a bit before tossing them in. They keep things cold too, which is a nice bonus.

Flavored sparkling water is fun to play with. Raspberry or citrus flavors seem to work best for this kind of drink, at least in my experience.

For sweetener swaps, I’ve used sugar, agave, or even maple syrup. I just stir until it dissolves, then taste and adjust. It’s all about what you’re in the mood for.

No cocktail shaker? Honestly, I just mix everything right in the glass and give it a good stir. Works well enough for me.

Raspberry Lime Sparkler Cocktail Recipe