Table of Contents
PART 1: A Personal Take on Raspberry Vodka Collins
Growing up in Lima, Grandma Rosa’s kitchen was always alive with color and scent. When I first mixed a Raspberry Vodka Collins, I was instantly reminded of market mornings where my fingers turned pink from sampling fresh berries. That blend of tart fruit and bright citrus felt like a sip of home.
When we moved to California, my experiments in flavor became my signature. One late night after debugging code, I grabbed a handful of raspberries and a bottle of vodka. The first sip of that improvised cocktail was a revelation—sweet, tangy, and sparkling with possibility. It tasted like a bridge between my old world and new.
Raspberry Vodka Collins
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler
- Collins glass
Ingredients
Main
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 6 fresh raspberries
- 3 oz club soda to top
- ice as needed
- lemon wheel and raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle fresh raspberries with simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add vodka and fresh lemon juice. Fill with ice and shake gently.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon wheel and extra raspberries.
Notes
The Raspberry Vodka Collins isn’t just a drink; it’s a memory poured over ice. Fresh raspberries bring natural sweetness, while soda water adds the light fizz that defines a Collins. Every time I muddle berries, I still hear Grandma Rosa saying, “Does it sing?” and with each tart sip, the answer is always yes.
This cocktail is also a showstopper. Its vibrant pink hue brightens any table and pairs perfectly with other citrus-forward drinks like a lemon meringue martini. It’s also a refreshing counterpart to creamy winter favorites like the drunken snowman cocktail.
What makes this version special is its balance. A classic Collins relies on simplicity, and adding raspberries gives it a playful twist without losing that clean structure. Vodka’s neutral base lets the fruit shine, making every sip crisp and layered. Whether served at a summer brunch or a quiet night in, it delivers the same burst of flavor and nostalgia every time.
PART 2: Ingredients and Variations
A classic Raspberry Vodka Collins starts simple: vodka, fresh raspberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. The magic lies in using quality ingredients. Fresh raspberries provide a vibrant color and flavor, but frozen work beautifully, too. Muddling the berries extracts their natural juices, infusing the drink with a rich, tangy sweetness. I often pair this with recipes like strawberry moonshine when planning a summer spread; the fruit-forward flavors complement each other.
Subheading: Can you use fresh or frozen raspberries?
Both are great! Fresh raspberries give a bright, aromatic punch, while frozen berries release more juice as they thaw, making the cocktail slightly richer.
Subheading: Adding your twist to the recipe
Try swapping vodka for flavored varieties like citrus vodka for added zest. A splash of elderflower liqueur brings floral notes that elevate the drink without overpowering its berry heart.
PART 3: Mixing the Perfect Raspberry Vodka Collins
To make one, muddle raspberries with simple syrup in a shaker. Add vodka and fresh lemon juice, shake lightly, then strain over ice. Top with club soda for that signature Collins fizz. Garnish with a lemon wheel and extra raspberries for a vibrant presentation. The result is a cocktail as visually appealing as it is refreshing. When I served this alongside a blue Hawaiian punch at a barbecue, the Raspberry Vodka Collins vanished first.
Subheading: Tips for a balanced drink
Don’t skip the lemon; its acidity balances the sweetness of raspberries and syrup. Use good-quality soda water to keep the drink crisp and clean.
Subheading: Serving ideas
It’s perfect with light appetizers, summer salads, or as a brunch companion. Pairing it with tropical flavors like a pineapple coconut margarita can create a fun, fruit-forward menu.
PART 4: Raspberry Vodka Collins for Parties
For gatherings, scale up! Mix vodka, muddled raspberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher, then top with soda just before serving. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with big-batch drinks like watermelon moonshine. Chill the mixture ahead and add ice right before guests arrive to keep flavors fresh.
Subheading: How to make a pitcher for parties
Combine 2 cups vodka, 1 cup lemon juice, ½ cup simple syrup, and 2 cups muddled raspberries. Top with soda to taste. Garnish each glass individually for a personal touch.
Subheading: Presentation tips
Serve in tall Collins glasses with colorful straws and a berry garnish. A sprig of mint adds aroma and elegance.
Conclusion
A Raspberry Vodka Collins is the perfect balance of tart fruit and crisp refreshment. It’s simple to make, versatile for gatherings, and a guaranteed way to add color and flavor to any occasion.
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What is a Raspberry Vodka Collins made of?
Vodka, raspberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water make the base of this refreshing cocktail.
Can you use fresh or frozen raspberries in a Raspberry Vodka Collins?
Yes, both work. Fresh adds brightness, while frozen adds juicy depth.
What’s the difference between a Vodka Collins and a Tom Collins?
A Vodka Collins uses vodka; a Tom Collins uses gin. The raspberry version adds fruity sweetness to the vodka base.
How do you make a Raspberry Vodka Collins in a pitcher for parties?
Mix vodka, muddled raspberries, lemon juice, and syrup in a pitcher. Add soda before serving for fizz.