When I want a drink that’s both refreshing and easy to make, I usually reach for my recipe for sparkling raspberry lemonade cocktail.
This drink combines tart lemonade, sweet raspberries, and sparkling water, making it a simple but flavorful choice for any get-together or a quiet evening at home.
It’s a great way to use up fresh or frozen raspberries, and you only need a handful of ingredients.
The gentle fizz from the sparkling water gives this cocktail a light, lively touch.
Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (if available)
- Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
- Tall glass (12-16 oz)
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for removing seeds)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
- 2 oz simple syrup store-bought or homemade
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish, optional
- Extra raspberries for garnish, optional
- Mint leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the raspberries well until they break apart and release juice.
- Pour in fresh lemon juice and vodka.
- Add a scoop of ice cubes.
- Shake or stir well for 10-15 seconds to chill and mix.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top off with sparkling water or club soda.
- Gently stir to mix.
- Garnish with lemon slices, raspberries, and mint if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while cold.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take my first sip, I notice the bright, crisp flavor of fresh lemon. It isn’t too sour, but gives a clean start that wakes up my palate.
Next, I taste the hint of ripe raspberries. They add a light sweetness and gentle fruitiness that blend smoothly with the lemonade.
The bubbles from the sparkling water bring a lively texture. The drink feels refreshing and playful, with each sip finishing with a soft fizzy tingle.
I also notice the aroma as I bring the glass closer. A mix of citrus and berries—it smells inviting and fresh.
The cocktail isn’t too sweet or too tart. I find the balance lets each ingredient shine without overwhelming the others.
Substitute
If I don’t have all the original ingredients for a sparkling raspberry lemonade cocktail, I try a few easy swaps. No need to panic—there’s almost always a workaround.
Possible ingredient substitutes:
- Fresh Raspberries: Sometimes I just grab frozen raspberries. Strawberries work too, honestly.
- Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice is fine in a pinch. Lime juice isn’t bad either if that’s what’s around.
- Sparkling Water: I swap in club soda, tonic, or even lemon-lime soda if that’s what I’ve got.
- Simple Syrup: Out of syrup? I just stir sugar into water or reach for honey.
- Vodka: Gin, white rum, or tequila all bring their own twist. Sometimes I just go with whatever’s left in the cabinet.
Non-alcoholic option:
If I’m skipping the booze, I just leave it out. I top it off with more sparkling water or soda instead.
Instruction adjustments:
- For berries: I muddle frozen berries the same as fresh—maybe with a bit more patience.
- With citrus: If it’s way too tart, I just toss in a bit more sweetener. Taste as you go, right?
- For soda: I pour it in slowly so it doesn’t go flat on me.
Equipment substitutes:

