There’s something about a Royal Blush that just feels like a celebration in a glass. It’s bright, bubbly, and bursting with berry flavor-perfect for summer evenings, brunch with friends, or whenever you’re in the mood for something a little fancy but still easy to make. I’ve made this cocktail countless times, and it never fails to impress. Let’s walk through how to make it, plus a few tips and fun twists to make it your own.
Royal Blush
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Champagne flute (or a martini glass works too)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) London Dry Gin
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) raspberry purée (see tip below)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water, stirred to combine)
– Splash of sparkling wine (Prosecco, Champagne, or even a dry Cava)
– Optional garnish: lemon twist or fresh raspberries
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the gin, lemon juice, raspberry purée, and honey syrup.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute (or martini glass if you prefer).
- Top with a splash of sparkling wine. Gently stir once to combine.
- Add a lemon twist or a couple of fresh raspberries for garnish.
Tips & Tricks
– Make your own raspberry purée: Blend fresh or thawed frozen raspberries, then push through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds. You can sweeten it slightly if needed.
– Chill your glass: Pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep your drink cool longer.
– Balance the sweetness: Taste your honey syrup before using. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more lemon juice to the cocktail.
– Substitutions: No raspberries? Try strawberries or blackberries. No honey? Use simple syrup or agave nectar instead.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the gin, lemon juice, raspberry purée, and honey syrup up to a day ahead. Just keep it sealed in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick shake with ice, pour, and top with sparkling wine.
How It Tastes
This cocktail hits that sweet spot-literally. It’s fruity and lightly tart, with a subtle floral note from the honey and just enough bubbles to keep things lively. Think of it like a grown-up berry lemonade with a sparkle.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s light, refreshing, and has just the right amount of flair to make any evening feel special.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Royal Blush with snacks that bring out its fruity, fizzy charm:
– Charcuterie board: The saltiness of cured meats and cheeses balances the cocktail’s sweetness.
– Spicy bites: Jalapeño poppers or spicy shrimp skewers make a fun contrast.
– Dark chocolate: A square or two of rich chocolate is the perfect decadent finish.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try one of these easy spins:
Autumn Blush
– Swap raspberry purée for blackberry purée.
– Add a cinnamon stick garnish for a cozy touch.
Herbal Blush
– Muddle a sprig of thyme or basil with the gin before shaking.
– This adds a fresh, earthy layer to the drink.
Tropical Blush
– Replace raspberry purée with mango purée.
– Add a splash of coconut water before topping with sparkling wine.
Virgin Royal Blush (Non-Alcoholic)
– Skip the gin and sparkling wine.
– Use raspberry purée, lemon juice, honey syrup, and top with ginger ale or sparkling water.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Just make sure they’re thawed before blending. They actually make a thicker purée, which works great.
What’s the best gin to use?
A classic London Dry is always a safe bet, but if you’ve got a berry- or citrus-infused gin on hand, go ahead and try it.
Can I make this in a big batch?
Absolutely. Multiply the gin, lemon juice, raspberry purée, and honey syrup by however many servings you need. Mix ahead and refrigerate. Just add the sparkling wine to each glass when serving.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
You can try a splash of cranberry juice or even a touch of apple cider vinegar for a similar tang.
How do I get more bubbles?
Add a bit more sparkling wine or even a splash of club soda for extra fizz.
Storage
If you’ve mixed a batch (without the sparkling wine), you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Give it a good shake before serving.
Try It With…
Looking to round out your gathering? The Royal Blush pairs beautifully with:
– Goat cheese crostini
– Mini crab cakes
– A fresh berry salad
– Lemon tarts or shortbread cookies for dessert
Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or making a round for friends, the Royal Blush is a feel-good cocktail that’s easy to love. It’s elegant but unfussy, fruity but balanced, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try-and feel free to make it your own!
