Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are looking for a special cocktail to serve or even for upcoming occasions such as bridal showers, spring parties or brunches, this could be one to try! It’s really easy to make – you just need to pick up the framboise red raspberry liqueur (keep reading for other options), which will be nice to have in your bar to add to other recipes.
The nice thing about this cocktail is that you can substitute some of the ingredients or liqueurs if you like. I started with fresh strawberries and fresh mint. Cut up 3 to 4 strawberries and chop 4-5 mint leaves, and put into a shaker. You may also use fresh raspberries, but I like the stronger flavor of fresh strawberries.
Once the strawberry and mint are in the shaker, take a wooden spoon and muddle them together until they are pretty smooth and not too chunky.
Add your favorite vodka, sparkling soda ( I used Sprindrift raspberry and lime flavor), and Merlet Creme de Framboise liqueur. Add a few pieces of ice and shake well. Pour/ and or strain over a glass with ice, and if desired add in some of the muddled fruit and mint and stir. The way you pour it in the glass depends if you want a more clear drink or one with the muddled fruit. I added the muddled fruit as I love the extra fruit flavor and texture.
You can also substitute other liqueurs such as Chambord which is a black raspberry liqueur, Creme de Cassis which is black currant, or another berry fruit liqueur if you don’t have the Merlet Creme de Framboise (red raspberry).
If you are wondering what else you can use this delicious liqueur for, a proven classic would be the popular Kir Royale champagne cocktail. Just add an ounce of the berry liqueur into a champagne glass, add champagne, and float some raspberries on top. Voila…another drink to have in your arsenal…
Valentine-Spring Cocktail
-Makes one cocktail
1-2 ounces Vodka ( amount depends on the drinker)
4-5 ounces Sparkling water such as Spindrift raspberry and lime
1 ounce Merlet & Fils Creme de Framboise Raspberry liqueur ( can substitute Chambord, Creme de Cassis, or comparable berry liqueur)
3-4 strawberries ( or raspberries)
Fresh mint to muddle and garnish
Raspberries for garnish
Fine sugar
Squeeze of Lemon or lime
Ice
Slice the strawberries and fresh mint leaves, put into shaker. Take a wooden spoon and muddle until it becomes a fine mixture.
Add 1-2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of raspberry liqueur, and 4-5 ounces of sparkling soda.
You can also substitute Pellegrino, Perrier, or you favorite flavored sparkling soda water.
Put a couple of ice cubes into the shaker, and shake well. Pour or strain over a glass of ice. Add the whole shaker if you enjoy the muddled fruit and mint into your cocktail. You can also strain the mixture to leave out for a more clear drink without the fruit bits floating around. If you like, you can also add some sliced strawberries to the drink for a nice visual.
For the optional garnish, lightly roll 3-4 fresh raspberries ( cold is best, not room temperature) in lemon or lime juice, and then roll lightly in fine sugar. You could also substitute water if you didn’t have the citrus.
Add raspberries to the top of the cocktail with a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!