Cupid’s Vodka Spiked Raspberry Lemonade
Cupid’s Vodka Spiked Raspberry Lemonade is the kind of seasonal cocktail that feels like a warm hug in a glass — bright, slightly fizzy, and dressed up for celebration. If you love raspberries and sunny citrus with a playful adult twist, this recipe brings together raspberry vodka, fresh berries, and tangy lemonade to make something both comforting and flirty. It works beautifully for Valentine’s gatherings, spring brunches, or any time you want a pretty, easy-to-make drink that tastes like summer is just around the corner. For a similar bright spritz idea and more citrus inspiration, check out this raspberry spritz twist I love: citrus margarita and pomegranate mint raspberry spritz recipe.
Why this recipe works (quick overview)
This vodka-spiked raspberry lemonade balances sweet and tart with a clean vodka backbone. The fresh raspberries add texture and real fruit flavor, while edible glitter makes it feel festive and elevated without any complicated bartending skills. It’s refreshing, visually appealing, and simple enough to whip up in minutes for a crowd or keep chilled for a cozy night with someone special.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup raspberry vodka
- 2 cups lemonade (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1–2 tablespoons edible glitter (petal or pearl shimmer works nicely)
- Ice (large cubes or crushed)
- Lemon slices for garnish
Notes:
- If you prefer less alcohol, reduce vodka to 3/4 cup and top with sparkling water for extra fizz.
- Use organic lemons if making your own lemonade for the freshest flavor.
Helpful Equipment
- Pitcher (large enough for at least 4 cups)
- Blender or muddler (for crushing raspberries) — a blender makes a smoother drink; a muddler keeps more texture.
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, if you prefer seed-free lemonade)
- Long spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving glasses (highball, mason jars, or coupe glasses for a more elegant look)
- Small bowl or baking tray (to dust rims with glitter if desired)
- Ice bucket (optional for parties)
Tip: If you want a super-smooth texture, blend the raspberries with a little lemonade and strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds before combining with vodka.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)
1. Combine vodka and lemonade
In a large pitcher, pour 1 cup raspberry vodka and 2 cups lemonade. Stir gently to combine so the flavors marry without flattening the lemonade’s brightness.
Tip: For a lighter cocktail, use 1/2 cup vodka and 2 cups lemonade, then add 1 cup soda water. For a fizzy variation, replace half the lemonade with chilled sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime soda.
2. Stir in fresh raspberries
Add 1 cup fresh raspberries directly to the pitcher. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush a few raspberries to release juices while leaving some whole for texture and garnish.
Variation: If you prefer a roasted flavor, toss the raspberries on a baking tray with a teaspoon of sugar and roast at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Cooling them slightly before adding will introduce a deeper, jammy note to the drink. Alternatively, for a brighter, fresher berry pop, bring raspberries to a quick boil with a tablespoon of sugar and simmer for 2 minutes; cool before adding — this makes a simple raspberry syrup.
3. Add ice to glasses and pour
Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the vodka lemonade mixture over the ice. If serving a crowd, keep the pitcher on ice or in a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain chill.
Tip: Use large ice cubes to reduce dilution, or crushed ice for a more slushy presentation. Pre-chill the pitcher and glasses for a bolder chill and cleaner taste.
4. Stir in edible glitter for a sparkling effect
Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of edible glitter into the pitcher or into each glass and stir gently so the shimmer disperses throughout the drink. Edible glitter is safe to consume — look for cosmetic-grade or food-grade glitter labeled as edible.
Kitchen tip: If you want the glitter to cling to the rim, dampen the rim of each glass with a lemon wedge and dip lightly into glitter on a shallow plate before pouring.
5. Garnish and serve
Top each glass with a lemon slice and a few fresh raspberries on a skewer or floating in the drink. Serve immediately while cold and sparkling.
Flavor suggestion: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a few basil leaves to each glass for a herbal lift. A tiny splash of elderflower liqueur (about 1 tablespoon per pitcher) brings a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with raspberries.
Variations & Pro tips
- Mocktail version: Replace vodka with raspberry syrup or a splash of cranberry juice and top with sparkling water. Keep the edible glitter for the same festive look.
- Rosé twist: Swap vodka for a chilled rosé wine (about 2 cups) and reduce lemonade to taste for a lighter, wine-based spritz.
- Frosty slush: Freeze lemonade in ice cube trays; blend frozen cubes with vodka and raspberries for a blended frozen cocktail.
- Sugar rim or salted rim: Use sugar for a sweeter finish, or for a savory contrast, try a lemon-pepper or rosemary-salt blend for a sophisticated edge.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing leftovers:
- Refrigerate any leftover vodka lemonade in a sealed pitcher or bottle for up to 48 hours. Fresh raspberries will soften over time and may bleed color into the lemonade, which is fine but reduces texture. Give the pitcher a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing:
- Do not freeze the finished cocktail with vodka if you want the same texture later — alcohol lowers the freezing point and will make a slushy or partially frozen texture. If you’d like to prep ahead, freeze the lemonade (without vodka) in ice cube trays. When ready to serve, blend the frozen lemonade cubes with vodka and raspberries for an instant frozen cocktail.
- For longer-term storage, make a raspberry syrup (cook raspberries with sugar, strain, and freeze syrup in airtight containers). Thaw and combine with lemonade and vodka as needed.
Make-ahead:
- Make the raspberry component ahead by making a quick raspberry compote or syrup (equal parts raspberries and sugar simmered until thick, then cooled). Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. When serving, mix syrup with vodka and lemonade to taste, and add fresh raspberries for garnish.
Portioning advice:
- This recipe yields about 3–4 standard cocktail servings (depending on glass size). For a party, scale up maintaining roughly a 1:2 ratio of vodka to lemonade (1 part vodka to 2 parts lemonade) and adjust sweetness or fizz with soda water as needed.
How to Use / Serve This Drink
Serving ideas:
- Valentine’s Day or romantic dinners: Serve in coupe glasses with a raspberry and lemon twist perched on the rim, and soft music in the background. Edible glitter gives it an extra romantic sheen.
- Brunch or garden parties: Offer a non-alcoholic mocktail alongside by swapping vodka for sparkling water; place a tray with garnishes like mint, lemon wheels, and extra raspberries so guests can personalize their drinks.
- Pairings: This cocktail pairs beautifully with light bites — think goat cheese crostini with honey, smoked salmon canapés, lemon herb chicken skewers, or fresh summer salads with feta and berries. For desserts, serve with shortbread cookies, lemon bars, or a raspberry tart.
Creative presentations:
- Make a pitcher “bar”: provide a large pitcher of the vodka-lemonade base and small bowls of garnishes: roasted raspberries, mint, basil, edible flowers, and glitter. Guests can build their own glasses.
- Frozen pops: Freeze the lemonade (no vodka) in popsicle molds, insert a fresh raspberry or two in each mold for a pretty swirl. Serve to kids or as a non-alcoholic treat while adults enjoy the spiked version.
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute another spirit for vodka?
A: Yes. Gin adds herbal, floral notes that complement raspberries and lemon very well. Tequila blanco gives a brighter, slightly savory edge. For a lighter, wine-based option, try chilled rosé. Keep in mind the strength and flavor of the spirit when substituting — gin will change the profile more than tequila or wine.
Q: How long will this cocktail keep in the fridge?
A: If mixed with vodka, it will keep for about 24–48 hours refrigerated, though the texture of the fresh raspberries will change and drink may look cloudier. For best flavor and appearance, serve within the first day. If you’ve used sparkling components, they will lose fizz over time, so add bubbly at the last moment.
Q: Are there good alternatives to edible glitter?
A: Yes — you can use a splash of champagne or sparkling wine for shine and fizz, or a few drops of clear vanilla syrup or lemon simple syrup for a glossy finish. Edible flower petals also add visual charm without shimmer.
Q: Can I make this drink less sweet or more tart?
A: Absolutely. Use tart homemade lemonade or reduce the amount of store-bought lemonade and add fresh lemon juice to taste. You can also increase vodka slightly to counter sweetness, or add a splash of club soda for dilution and brightness.
Tips for hosting
- Prepare garnishes in advance: wash raspberries and slice lemons the morning of your event. Keep them chilled on a tray.
- Label an alcohol-free version clearly if you’re serving guests with varying preferences. A fun sign, chalkboard, or small tag helps.
- If serving for a big group, pre-batch multiple pitchers with vodka and lemonade separately and add raspberries, ice, glitter, and garnishes just before serving to keep things fresh.
Conclusion
There’s something effortlessly charming about Cupid’s Vodka Spiked Raspberry Lemonade — it’s bright, comforting, and celebratory, perfect for seasonal gatherings or cozy evenings when you want a drink that looks as good as it tastes. If you want to see festive drink specials for Valentine’s Day that capture a similar playful spirit, check out this round-up of Applebee’s Drink Specials – $6 Smoocho Valentine’s Day Cocktails. For cocktail makers who enjoy clever convenience, consider exploring Bartesian Cocktail Capsules | Bartesian Machine Drink Pods for inspiration on flavor pairings and easy serving ideas. And if you love seasonal cocktail menus and news about returning favorites, you might enjoy reading about Applebee’s® Tipsy Cupid & More Return for Valentines Day.
Try this recipe, make it your own, and share it with friends — whether you’re toasting a holiday, a small victory, or just a sunny afternoon, Cupid’s Vodka Spiked Raspberry Lemonade is a delightful way to celebrate.
Cupid's Vodka Spiked Raspberry Lemonade
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 1 cup raspberry vodka
- 2 cups lemonade homemade or high-quality store-bought
- 1 cup fresh raspberries plus extra for garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons edible glitter petal or pearl shimmer works nicely
- Ice large cubes or crushed
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pitcher, pour 1 cup raspberry vodka and 2 cups lemonade. Stir gently to combine.
- Add 1 cup fresh raspberries to the pitcher and gently crush a few to release juices, leaving some whole.
- Fill serving glasses with ice and pour the vodka lemonade mixture over the ice.
- Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of edible glitter into the pitcher or each glass and stir gently.
- Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a few fresh raspberries before serving.
