My Raspberry Martini is a luscious pink cocktail that combines the sweet, tangy flavor of raspberries with the smooth bite of vodka for a drink that's both elegant and playful. This vibrant libation is served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a few fresh raspberries and some sparkly gold leaf for a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor.
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About This Recipe
With its fruity aroma, crisp taste, and sophisticated appearance, this raspberry vodka martini is the perfect drink for any happy hour, be it a romantic evening, ladies’ night, or any time you want to indulge in a little bit of luxury. Go on and treat yo’self!
If you’re new to the concept of being your own mixologist, let me give you a little encouragement. Happy hour at home is a wonderful way to unwind and relax after a long day, without having to worry about noisy crowds or expensive tabs.
You can create your own fancy cocktails (see my Paper Plane, Negroni Sour, and my PB&J Cocktail for more inspiration), serve delicious snacks (like Million Dollar Deviled Eggs), and enjoy the company of your friends or family in the comfort of your own home. Doesn’t that sound like a dream?!?
Since it’s made with just 3 ingredients in about 5 minutes, this quick and easy vodka raspberry cocktail is ideal for beginner bartenders, despite looking like something you’d get at a fancy rooftop bar. Best of all, it’ll save you beaucoup bucks, even with a sprinkling of real gold on top of this red drink bursting with sweet raspberry flavor!
Ingredients & Substitutions
As promised, you only need a few ingredients to make this easy raspberry martini sweet cocktail recipe:
- Vodka - With a neutral flavor profile, vodka does an excellent job at giving you the right amount of buzz while letting the bright flavor of raspberries and lemon shine through.
- Raspberry Simple Syrup - Homemade raspberry syrup is made with just sugar, water, and fresh raspberry, so it’s quite a simple affair and can also be used to make a Raspberry margarita. Feel free to swap in store-bought raspberry syrup if you prefer. You’re also welcome to use any berry-flavored simple syrup for a fun twist.
- Lemon Juice - As with most ingredients, fresh lemon juice is far superior to bottled. To get the most juice from your fruit, give it a firm roll on the counter for 10-15 seconds before slicing it open.
- Fresh Raspberries & Edible Gold Leaf - While these are technically optional, I find that adding garnishes to my homemade cocktails makes happy hour at home feel extra luxurious alongside a romantic dinner.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker or Large Mason Jar with Lid
- Coupe or Martini Glasses
- Cocktail Picks
How To Make A Raspberry Martini
This simple raspberry lemon drop martini comes together in just two easy steps with a beautiful pink color:
Step 1: Shake. Add all liquid ingredients to a shaker with ice cubes, then shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds.
Step 2: Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cocktail stick laced with raspberries and dot the top with gold leaf. Enjoy!
Optional Variations
As much as I love the simple elegance of this 3-ingredient raspberry martini, there are plenty of ways for you to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to make your own refreshing cocktail:
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh jalapeno to the shaker for a spicy twist on the classic raspberry martini. You can also infuse your raspberry homemade syrup with jalapeños if you like to incorporate some different flavors in your classic cocktail.
- Raspberry Lemonade Martini Mocktail: Replace the vodka with lemonade for a refreshing and sweet non-alcoholic version of this beautiful berry beverage.
- Mixed Berry Martini: Mix raspberry and blueberry simple syrup for a deliciously fruity and colorful cocktail.
- Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini: Rim the glass with sugar and lemon zest, and add a splash of triple sec for a citrusy twist on the classic raspberry martini.
- Raspberry Ginger Martini: Add fresh ginger or ginger syrup to the shaker with raspberry liqueur for a spicy and refreshing twist.
- Raspberry Peach Bellini Martini: Replace the lemon juice with peach purée and top with sparkling wine for a fruity and bubbly cocktail that's perfect for brunch or celebrations.
- Raspberry Mint Martini: Add a few fresh mint leaves to the shaker for a refreshing and herbaceous twist. Basil would also be lovely in your raspberry cocktails!
Expert Tips
- Use plenty of ice. Fill your shaker with plenty of ice to ensure that your martini is chilled properly. The ice also helps to dilute the drink slightly and adds aeration to the mixture.
- Chill your shaker and glass. Place your shaker and martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before making your cocktail to ensure that everything is nice and frosty.
- Measure your ingredients. To ensure a perfect balance of flavors, always measure your ingredients carefully. Use a jigger or measuring cup for accurate measurement.
- Shake it like you mean it. To achieve a well-blended, frothy martini, shake your shaker vigorously for at least 25 seconds. Hold the shaker firmly with both hands and shake back and forth in a smooth, steady motion.
- Strain carefully. Use a Hawthorne strainer or a fine-mesh sieve to strain your martini into your chilled glass. Hold the strainer over the glass and pour the cocktail slowly and carefully to avoid any spills or drips.
Storage Instructions
While it is possible to store leftover shaken lemon raspberry martinis, it is not recommended. Martinis are best enjoyed fresh and are typically served immediately after shaking. Storing a shaken drink can cause the cocktail to lose its balance of flavors, texture, and temperature, resulting in a subpar drinking experience.
If you do find yourself with any leftover martini cocktail, it's best to strain the cocktail into a glass or container, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for a short period of time (up to a day). However, be aware that the quality of the cocktail may be compromised and it may not taste as good as if it were freshly made with your favorite flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to making a vodka-based delicious cocktail like this raspberry lemon martini, you'll want to choose a high-quality spirit that is smooth, clean, and has little to no flavor.
Some of the best vodkas with a smooth sweet taste for martinis include Grey Goose, Belvedere, Ketel One, and Absolut. These vodkas are made using high-quality ingredients, undergo multiple distillations, and are filtered to ensure a pure and neutral taste.
1. Before applying gold leaf, make sure your cocktail is properly chilled and garnished at your special occasions. You can use any cocktail that you like, but clear drinks like martinis or champagne cocktails work best. This is because the gold leaf will be more visible.
2. Cut a small piece of gold leaf using clean scissors. The size you cut should be slightly larger than the surface area you want to cover.
3. Gently place the gold leaf on the surface of the cocktail (or garnish) you want to cover. Use a small brush or your fingers to press the gold leaf onto whatever surface you’re adorning.
4. If you want to add more sparkle, repeat the process until you have achieved your desired look.
5. Once the gold leaf is applied, serve your cocktail immediately and enjoy the shimmering and luxurious effect it adds to your drink.
More Cocktail & Beverage Recipes
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Raspberry Martini
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1.5 oz Raspberry Simple Syrup
- 1.5 oz Lemon Juice
- Fresh Raspberries , for garnish
- Edible gold flakes, optional garnish
Instructions
- Add all liquid ingredients to a shaker with ice cubes, then shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds.1.5 oz Vodka, 1.5 oz Raspberry Simple Syrup, 1.5 oz Lemon Juice
- Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cocktail stick laced with raspberries and dot the top with gold leaf. Enjoy!Fresh Raspberries, Edible gold flakes
Video
Notes
- Shake it like you mean it! The act of shaking a cocktail is akin to creaming sugar and butter for a cake. It isn’t just about combining the ingredients, rather also serves to aerate it for a lovely mouthfeel. Aim for about 30-45 seconds of strong agitation — as an added bonus, it’s a great way to release any stress from the day!
- Use filtered water for your ice. If possible, use filtered water instead of plain tap water for making the ice that you shake your cocktails with. This will ensure the cleanest, brightest flavors of the spirits and fruit juices come through beautifully.
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