Sparkling Raspberry Gin & Prosecco Cocktail: Your Essential Spring Drink Recipe
As the days grow longer and nature reawakens, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with a light, refreshing, and beautifully vibrant cocktail. This exquisite **Raspberry Gin Prosecco cocktail** is precisely that—a delightful fusion that perfectly captures the essence of the season. It elegantly combines the aromatic complexity of gin, the festive effervescence of prosecco, and the sweet-tart allure of fresh raspberries, creating a drink that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to love.
Gin has cemented its place as a perennial favorite in the world of spirits, celebrated for its botanical versatility and capacity to elevate a multitude of drinks. Similarly, prosecco has charmed palates globally with its sparkling, crisp, and refreshing profile, making it a go-to for toasts and celebrations. When these two beloved components unite with the juicy sweetness of raspberries, the result is a truly invigorating and sweet cocktail that we wholeheartedly recommend for any springtime occasion, from a leisurely brunch to an elegant evening gathering.
Why This Cocktail is Your Ultimate Spring Companion
This Raspberry Gin Prosecco cocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience tailor-made for the spring season. Its lightness and bright fruit notes perfectly complement the warmer weather and the desire for fresh, clean flavors after the heavier tastes of winter. The beautiful ruby-pink color, derived from the natural raspberries, adds a captivating visual element that instantly evokes images of blooming gardens and sunny afternoons. It’s a cocktail that feels celebratory without being overly rich or complicated.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the balance of flavors is what truly sets this drink apart. The herbal and juniper notes of the gin provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweetness of the raspberry syrup, while the dry prosecco adds a delightful fizz and a crisp finish. The optional addition of an egg white contributes a velvety texture and a luxurious foam top, elevating it from a simple mixed drink to a professional-looking concoction. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for personal touches, making it suitable for both seasoned cocktail enthusiasts and those new to the art of mixology.
Deep Dive into the Star Ingredients
Gin: The Botanical Heart of Your Cocktail
Gin’s popularity has surged for good reason: its incredible versatility. At its core, gin is a spirit distilled with juniper berries, but modern gins often feature a diverse array of botanicals, including coriander, citrus peels, angelica root, orris root, and various spices. This creates a spectrum of flavors, from the piney robustness of a London Dry to more floral, citrusy, or even savory profiles.
For this sparkling raspberry cocktail, a classic London Dry gin works wonderfully, providing a crisp, clean base that allows the fruit and prosecco to shine. If you prefer a slightly softer, more fragrant drink, a New Western style gin with less dominant juniper notes might also be an excellent choice. The gin’s botanical complexity adds a depth that prevents the cocktail from being overly sweet, ensuring a balanced and intriguing flavor profile. Investing in a quality gin that you genuinely enjoy will make a noticeable difference in your final drink.
Prosecco: The Italian Sparkle
Prosecco, Italy’s iconic sparkling wine, brings joy and effervescence to any occasion. Primarily made from Glera grapes, it is celebrated for its fresh, fruity notes—think green apple, pear, honeydew, and sometimes even a hint of white flower or citrus zest. Unlike its French counterpart, Champagne, which often presents bready or toasty characteristics from its secondary fermentation in the bottle, prosecco is produced using the Charmat method, which emphasizes its vibrant, primary fruit flavors and lighter body.
When choosing a prosecco for this recipe, look for a Brut or Extra Dry variety. While the name “Extra Dry” might suggest extreme dryness, it actually indicates a touch more sweetness than Brut, making it a perfect match for balancing the tartness of the raspberries. Its fine, persistent bubbles and bright acidity are crucial for lifting the flavors of the gin and raspberry, creating a truly refreshing and celebratory drink. The crispness of prosecco is what makes this cocktail so delightfully drinkable, transforming it into the ultimate “essential spring drink.”
Raspberries: The Sweet-Tart Jewel
Raspberries are undoubtedly one of nature’s most enchanting berries. Known for their delicate texture, vivid color, and exquisite balance of sweet and tart flavors, they are a culinary gem. Beyond their delightful taste, raspberries are a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially Vitamin C), and dietary fiber. These qualities make them a superb ingredient for both culinary and mixology applications.
In this **raspberry gin prosecco cocktail**, fresh raspberries are the star, transformed into a homemade syrup that infuses the drink with intense fruit flavor and a gorgeous, natural pink hue. Making your own syrup ensures you capture the purest essence of the berry, avoiding artificial flavors and excessive sweetness often found in commercial syrups. While fresh raspberries are highly recommended for their superior flavor, high-quality frozen raspberries can be a convenient alternative for the syrup, especially when fresh ones are out of season. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The natural acidity of raspberries is key to cutting through the sugar, ensuring that the final cocktail is bright and wonderfully refreshing.
📖 Recipe: Sparkling Raspberry Gin & Prosecco Cocktail
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
20 minutes
5 minutes
2 hours
2 hours 25 minutes
Drinks, Cocktails, Aperitif
Modern, European
2 cocktails
310 kcal
Ingredients
- 120 ml water
- 100 ml granulated sugar
- 150 grams fresh raspberries (plus 2-4 for garnish)
- 4 tablespoons good quality gin
- 1 egg white (optional, for a foamy top)
- chilled prosecco (Brut or Extra Dry recommended)
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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**Step 1: Prepare the Simple Sugar Syrup.** In a small saucepan, combine 120 ml water with 100 ml granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until all the sugar crystals have completely dissolved.
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**Step 2: Cool the Simple Syrup.** Once the sugar is fully dissolved, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the simple syrup to cool down entirely to room temperature. This cooling process is essential before mixing with other ingredients to prevent melting ice and ensure optimal flavor.
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**Step 3: Begin Raspberry Syrup Preparation.** Take 150 grams of fresh raspberries (reserving 2-4 perfect raspberries for garnishing your finished cocktails). Place the remaining raspberries into a clean saucepan and add 100 ml of your freshly cooled simple sugar syrup.
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**Step 4: Simmer for Flavor.** Bring the raspberry and syrup mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, the raspberries will soften and release their vibrant juices, creating a rich, flavorful base for your cocktail.
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**Step 5: Muddle and Extract.** Turn off the heat from the saucepan. Using the back of a spoon or a dedicated muddler, gently crush the softened raspberries in the syrup. This action will help to extract maximum flavor and color, ensuring a potent raspberry essence for your drink.
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**Step 6: Strain for Smoothness.** Carefully pour the raspberry liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jar. Use the back of a spoon to press down on any remaining solids in the sieve, extracting as much flavorful liquid as possible. Discard the raspberry pulp, ensuring your syrup is smooth and free of seeds.
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**Step 7: Chill the Raspberry Syrup.** Transfer the strained raspberry syrup into the refrigerator. Allow it to cool completely for at least 2 hours. Chilling the syrup ensures your cocktail will be perfectly cold and refreshing when served.
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**Step 8: Combine Cocktail Ingredients.** In a cocktail shaker, pour in 4 tablespoons of the chilled raspberry syrup, 4 tablespoons of gin, and (if you are using it) the egg white.
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**Step 9: Shake for Perfection.** First, perform a “dry shake” (without ice) vigorously for 15-20 seconds if using egg white; this helps create a stable foam. Then, add a generous amount of ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds, until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and frothy.
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**Step 10: Pour and Prepare.** Double strain the shaken cocktail mixture into two elegant champagne flutes or coupe glasses. Double straining ensures a smooth texture and removes any tiny ice shards or remaining pulp, leaving you with a beautifully clear and foamy drink.
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**Step 11: Top and Garnish.** Gently top off each glass with chilled prosecco, filling to your desired level. Garnish with your reserved fresh raspberries, a sprig of fresh mint, or a lemon twist for an extra touch of elegance and aroma. Serve immediately and savor this exquisite spring cocktail!
Nutrition
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Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Raspberry Gin & Prosecco Cocktail
Achieving a truly exceptional cocktail goes beyond just following the steps; it involves a few key techniques and considerations:
- **Ensure All Liquids are Thoroughly Chilled:** This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any sparkling cocktail. Using pre-chilled gin, prosecco, and especially your homemade raspberry syrup prevents excessive dilution from melting ice. A cold drink means a refreshing drink, and it maintains the delicate balance of flavors much better.
- **Ingredient Quality Matters Immensely:** While the recipe is simple, the quality of your gin and the freshness of your raspberries will heavily influence the final taste. Opt for a gin that you enjoy on its own or in a classic G&T. For raspberries, choose plump, brightly colored berries that are free from mold.
- **The Art of Dry Shaking (with Egg White):** If you decide to include the egg white for that desirable frothy top, do not skip the “dry shake” (shaking without ice first). This initial shake is vital for emulsifying the egg white, creating a stable and voluminous foam. After the dry shake, add ice and shake again to chill and further aerate the cocktail.
- **Double Strain for a Silky-Smooth Texture:** Raspberry pulp, while delicious, can sometimes be a little chunky or seedy. To ensure a perfectly smooth and elegant cocktail, use a fine-mesh sieve when straining your raspberry syrup, and then double strain your shaken cocktail mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into your serving glass.
- **Add Prosecco Gently:** Prosecco’s beautiful bubbles are a key element of this drink. To preserve as much effervescence as possible, add the chilled prosecco very gently. Pour it slowly down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon to minimize disturbance and keep the fizz alive.
- **Garnish Thoughtfully:** A simple garnish can elevate your cocktail from good to great. The reserved fresh raspberries are perfect, adding a burst of color and a fresh aroma. A small sprig of fresh mint or a delicate lemon twist can also introduce complementary aromatics, making each sip a multi-sensory delight.
Creative Variations to Explore
This Raspberry Gin Prosecco cocktail is a fantastic standalone drink, but its balanced profile also makes it an excellent canvas for creative experimentation:
- **Alternate Berry Choices:** Don’t limit yourself to raspberries! Experiment with other fresh berries like blackberries for a deeper, earthier note, strawberries for a sweeter profile, or blueberries for a unique twist. Each will create a distinct, yet equally delicious, syrup.
- **Infused Simple Syrups:** Beyond just raspberries, consider infusing your simple syrup with other flavors. A sprig of fresh rosemary, a few slices of ginger, or a vanilla bean can add intriguing complexity to your homemade syrup base.
- **Herbaceous Enhancements:** For an aromatic kick, gently muddle a few fresh mint leaves, basil, or a tiny sprig of thyme directly in the shaker with the gin and raspberry syrup. Be careful not to over-muddle, which can release bitter notes.
- **Citrus Zing:** A small squeeze (about half a teaspoon) of fresh lemon or lime juice added to the cocktail shaker can brighten the flavors and add an extra layer of zestiness, enhancing the overall refreshment.
- **Non-Alcoholic Delight:** For those abstaining from alcohol, this recipe can easily be adapted into a delicious mocktail. Simply omit the gin and use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, sparkling water, or even a lemon-lime soda instead of prosecco. The homemade raspberry syrup ensures it will still be full of flavor.
- **Spirit Swap:** If gin isn’t your preferred spirit, try swapping it for a clean vodka for a more neutral base, or a light white rum for a subtle tropical nuance. A delicate elderflower liqueur could also be added for a floral touch.
Serving Suggestions & Ideal Occasions
The versatility and elegance of the **Sparkling Raspberry Gin & Prosecco Cocktail** make it suitable for a wide array of occasions. Its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste ensure it’s always a welcome addition:
- **Spring and Summer Celebrations:** This cocktail is an absolute showstopper for garden parties, patio gatherings, and summer barbecues. Its light and fruity character perfectly complements the warm weather and outdoor ambiance.
- **Elegant Brunches:** Offer a sophisticated alternative to the classic mimosa or Bellini. The vibrant color and fresh flavors will certainly impress your brunch guests.
- **Romantic Evenings:** The beautiful pink hue and luxurious foam make it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or a special anniversary toast.
- **Holiday Gatherings:** While inherently spring-like, its festive sparkle and fruity notes can also make it a wonderful addition to Easter or even Christmas celebrations for a pop of color.
- **Casual Anytime Treat:** It’s simple enough to prepare for a relaxed evening at home when you’re craving something a little special and refreshing.
Always serve this exquisite drink in chilled champagne flutes or elegant coupe glasses. These types of glassware not only enhance the visual appeal of the cocktail but also help to preserve the delicate bubbles and direct the lovely aromas to your nose, enriching the entire tasting experience.
Conclusion: Cheers to the Joys of Spring!
The **Sparkling Raspberry Gin & Prosecco Cocktail** is truly a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients expertly combined. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the renewal and vibrancy of spring with every effervescent sip. With its dazzling color, inviting aroma, and perfectly balanced sweet-tart profile, this cocktail is destined to become a cherished addition to your personal collection of favorite drinks.
Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just beginning your mixology journey, this recipe offers an accessible and incredibly rewarding experience. It promises to impress your guests and provide a moment of refreshing delight for yourself. So, gather your fresh raspberries, your favorite gin, and a bottle of chilled prosecco. Follow these detailed steps, and prepare to toast to longer days, warmer weather, and the sheer pleasure of this delightful **raspberry gin prosecco cocktail**. Enjoy!