Raspberry Lime Spritz Drink

There's something about the morning after a celebration when you're staring at a half-empty bottle of prosecco and a container of raspberries that won't last another day. That's exactly when this spritz was born—a practical solution that turned into something I now make deliberately, even without the leftovers. The first time I mixed it together, the smell of crushed raspberries and lime was so bright it felt like sunshine in a glass, and I realized I'd accidentally created something people actually ask for.

I made a batch of these for friends who showed up on a warm afternoon, and watching people's faces light up when they took that first sip reminded me why simple recipes matter. One friend asked if I'd bought it somewhere, which made me laugh—there's something about drinks that taste bright and intentional that people assume came from a professional bar. That moment sealed it for me: this wasn't just a way to use leftovers, it was the kind of thing that makes a regular day feel a little more special.

Ingredients

• Fresh raspberries: Use them just before they start to soften, or grab frozen ones from the back of your freezer—they work beautifully and honestly taste just as good when muddled.
• Lime: A real lime makes all the difference here; bottled lime juice will taste thin and tinny by comparison.
• Vodka: Optional, but if you're using it, something straightforward works best since the raspberries and lime are already doing the heavy lifting.
• Simple syrup: A teaspoon of sugar dissolved in hot water, cooled completely—or just a splash of honey if that's what you have.
• Sparkling water or club soda: The backbone of this drink; club soda feels slightly luxe, but plain sparkling water is just as good.
• Prosecco or sparkling wine: Totally optional, but leftover bottles are exactly what this recipe was designed for.
• Fresh mint and lime wedges: These aren't afterthoughts; they're what makes someone actually want to pick the glass up and drink from it.

Instructions

Transfer liquids, oils, and dry ingredients cleanly into bottles and jars while cooking or baking.

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Crush the berries and lime together:

Put the raspberries and lime slices into your shaker or a sturdy glass with the simple syrup. Press them gently but firmly with a muddler or the back of a spoon until they release their juices and you can smell that bright, jammy fragrance rising up.

Add ice and spirits:

Fill your shaker with ice and pour in the vodka if you're using it. You'll feel the temperature drop immediately in your hands.

Pour and stir gently:

Add the sparkling water and prosecco slowly, watching how the liquid turns a pale pink as everything mixes together. Stir just enough to combine, being careful not to over-mix and lose all that precious fizz.

Strain into glasses:

Strain the mixture into two fresh glasses filled with ice, leaving most of the crushed fruit behind (or add a few raspberries to each glass if you like the texture).

Garnish and serve right away:

Tuck a sprig of mint and a lime wedge into each glass, then hand them off before the ice starts melting.

Pin It

There was an evening when a friend who usually avoids cocktails asked for a second one, then sat on my porch watching the light change while sipping it slowly. That's when I understood that this drink works because it doesn't try to be complicated—it's just fruit, bubbles, and a little brightness, exactly what you need when you want to feel good without overthinking it.

Making It Your Own

The magic of this recipe is how flexible it is once you understand the core idea: fruit, citrus, bubbles, and something to sweeten it all slightly. Swap the raspberries for strawberries and it becomes summery in a different way, or use blackberries if you want something deeper and more purple.

Going Alcohol-Free

Skip the vodka and prosecco entirely and you've got a mocktail that feels just as celebratory. I've served these to people who don't drink, and honestly, nobody feels like they're missing out because the raspberries and lime carry so much flavor on their own.

Timing and Temperature

Cold glasses make a real difference here—chill them in the freezer while you're prepping the raspberries, or fill them with ice water and dump it out just before pouring. The whole thing falls apart if everything isn't ice cold when it hits the glass.

• Fresh ice is crucial; ice that's been in the freezer too long tastes stale and sad.
• Make these right before people drink them, not an hour ahead, because the fizz slowly surrenders to time.
• Keep backup simple syrup nearby in case someone asks for theirs sweeter—it's an easy fix and shows you're thinking ahead.

Organize cleaning supplies and kitchen essentials under the sink for quicker access during cooking and cleanup.

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Pin It

This spritz reminds me that the best recipes are the ones that solve a real problem while making life feel a little easier and prettier at the same time. Keep making it, change it as you like, and enjoy how such a simple drink can turn an ordinary moment into something worth remembering.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit vodka and prosecco, replacing prosecco with extra sparkling water for a flavorful mocktail.

→ What other fruits can I use instead of raspberries?

Strawberries or blackberries work well as substitutes, offering a similar sweet-tart balance.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

Modify the amount of simple syrup to taste, adding more or less depending on your preference.

→ What tools do I need to prepare this drink?

A cocktail shaker or large glass, muddler or spoon, strainer, and serving glasses are recommended.

→ Is this beverage suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free and compatible with vegetarian and gluten-free lifestyles.