There’s something effortlessly fun about the Raspberry Beret cocktail. Bright, fruity, and just the right amount of tart, it’s one of those drinks that feels like a celebration in a glass. It’s perfect for summer get-togethers, a cozy night in, or anytime you want something a little playful and a lot delicious.
Raspberry Beret
I’ve made this drink countless times for friends and parties, and it’s always a hit. So I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails—plus a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) raspberry liqueur (like Chambord)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– A handful of fresh raspberries (plus a few extra for garnish)
– Ice
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop a martini or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep the drink.
- Muddle the raspberries. In a cocktail shaker, gently mash a small handful of fresh raspberries using a muddler or the back of a spoon. You want to break them down enough to release their juice, but not turn them into mush.
- Add the liquids. Pour in the vodka, raspberry liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup. Then add a good handful of ice.
- Shake it well. Put the lid on the shaker and shake hard for about 15 seconds. You’re aiming for a chilled, slightly frothy mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels ice-cold in your hands.
- Strain and serve. Dump out the ice water from your glass if you used it, and strain the cocktail into the chilled glass. You can use a fine mesh strainer if you’d rather leave out the raspberry seeds.
- Garnish. Drop a few whole raspberries on top, or skewer them on a cocktail pick for an extra touch.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh raspberries for the best flavor. Frozen will work if you’re in a pinch—just thaw them first.
– Don’t skip the shake. A strong shake helps blend the flavors and gives the drink a silky texture and light froth on top.
– Adjust sweetness. Taste your raspberries—if they’re super sweet, you can dial back the simple syrup a bit.
Make-Ahead Note
You can mix the vodka, raspberry liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just muddle the berries and shake with ice right before serving to keep things fresh.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh. If you do have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to a day. Just give it a quick shake with ice before serving again.
Ingredient Swaps
– Vodka: Try gin if you want a more herbal flavor.
– Raspberry liqueur: Swap in blackberry or blueberry liqueur for a fun twist.
– Simple syrup: Use honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water) or agave for a more natural sweetness.
– No fresh raspberries? Use a spoonful of raspberry jam instead—just shake extra well to blend it in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Don’t muddle too hard—over-muddling can make the drink cloudy and bitter.
– Avoid using bottled lime juice; fresh-squeezed makes a big difference.
– Don’t skimp on shaking time—undermixing can leave the drink flat and underwhelming.
What It Tastes Like
The Raspberry Beret is fruity and slightly sweet, with a fresh tartness from the lime. The raspberry liqueur adds depth and a touch of richness, while the vodka keeps things crisp and clean. It’s smooth, balanced, and just the right amount of fancy.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio—it’s refreshing, easy to make, and always gets compliments.
Food Pairings
– Cheese board: Soft goat cheese, creamy brie, or a sharp cheddar all pair beautifully with the fruity notes.
– Grilled chicken: The drink’s brightness cuts through the savory flavors of grilled meats.
– Dark chocolate desserts: Raspberry and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
Fun Variations
Blueberry Beret
– Replace raspberry liqueur with blueberry liqueur.
– Use fresh blueberries instead of raspberries.
Peachy Beret
– Swap in peach liqueur and muddle fresh peach slices.
– Great for late summer when peaches are in season.
Spicy Beret
– Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce before shaking.
– The heat plays nicely with the sweet berry base.
Virgin Raspberry Beret
– Muddle fresh raspberries with lime juice and a splash of simple syrup.
– Top with soda water and stir gently for a refreshing mocktail.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes—just thaw them first. They won’t look quite as pretty as fresh ones but still taste great.
How can I make this drink lighter?
Use less syrup or try a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
What’s the trick to that frothy top?
Shake it like you mean it! A good 15-second shake with plenty of ice does the trick.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Definitely. Mix everything except the ice and raspberries in a pitcher. Muddle and shake individual servings when you’re ready to pour.
What other garnishes work?
Try a sprig of mint, a lime wheel, or a few mixed berries on a skewer.
Is this only a summer drink?
Not at all. It’s bright and fruity enough for warm weather but cheerful enough to lift spirits in the colder months too.
Whether you’re making one for yourself or a round for friends, the Raspberry Beret is a cocktail that always brings a little joy to the glass. Play around with the flavors, try a variation or two, and most of all—enjoy every sip.
