Sweet, tart, refreshing, and gorgeously pink—the Raspberry Gin Smash is the cocktail you didn’t know you needed. It’s a burst of berry brightness with a citrusy zing and a touch of mint to cool things down. Botanical gin adds floral complexity, while a hint of simple syrup (or honey syrup, if you’re feeling fancy) ties it all together in one perfectly chilled glass.
Whether it’s patio season, a backyard gathering, or just a Tuesday that needs a pick-me-up, this cocktail is easy to make, stunning to serve, and so satisfying to sip.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh raspberries
- 2 oz gin (preferably a botanical-style gin)
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup (or honey syrup for a natural twist)
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Sparkling water (optional – for a lighter, fizzier version)
Garnish:
- Raspberry skewer
- Fresh mint sprig
Instructions
- Muddle the base
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the raspberries and mint leaves until juicy and fragrant. - Build the cocktail
Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup (or honey syrup). - Shake it up
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. - Strain & serve
Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. - Make it sparkle (optional)
For a lighter version, top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda. - Garnish & enjoy
Add a raspberry skewer and a fresh mint sprig for a beautiful finish. Sip and savor!
Notes
- For a sweeter drink, add a touch more syrup. For a tangier twist, increase the lemon juice slightly.
- Honey syrup = 1:1 honey and hot water, stirred until smooth—perfect for a richer flavor.
- You can use frozen raspberries in a pinch—just thaw them slightly before muddling.
- Crushed ice gives this cocktail its signature refreshing texture.
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Drinks
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American / Modern Cocktail
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Keywords: raspberry gin cocktail, summer cocktail, gin smash, fruity gin drink, easy gin cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother results)
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Rocks glass
- Cocktail skewer (for garnish)
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Serving Size: 1 drink
Calories: 165
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 2mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Helpful Tips
- Chill your glass before serving for maximum refreshment.
- Use a botanical or floral-forward gin to complement the mint and berry flavors beautifully.
- Want it more tart? Add a few dashes of bitters or a touch of grapefruit juice.
- Batch it! Multiply ingredients by 4–6 and muddle in a large pitcher for party-ready pours. Just shake individual servings over ice before serving.
Conservation and Storage
- Best served immediately after shaking.
- You can pre-mix the gin, lemon juice, and syrup and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Muddle and shake with berries and mint just before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- No raspberries? Try blackberries or strawberries.
- Swap mint for fresh basil for a more herbaceous twist.
- No simple syrup? Use agave, honey syrup, or even maple syrup for a more earthy sweetness.
- Make it fizzy with tonic, sparkling rosé, or prosecco instead of club soda.
Storage Instructions
- This drink isn’t ideal for long storage once muddled.
- However, you can prep the lemon juice + syrup + gin mix in advance and store it chilled. Add muddled raspberries and mint fresh for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this a mocktail?
Yes! Omit the gin and add a bit more sparkling water or a splash of white grape juice.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, just let them thaw before muddling so they release their juice easily.
Is it sweet or tart?
It’s wonderfully balanced—sweet from the syrup and berries, tart from lemon, and herbal from the mint.
What type of gin is best?
A botanical gin like Hendrick’s, The Botanist, or Empress 1908 works beautifully here. Avoid overly juniper-heavy gins if you want a fruit-forward finish.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Gin Smash is a fruity, garden-fresh cocktail that delivers serious flavor with minimal effort. Light, colorful, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of drink that looks fancy but takes just minutes to make. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this one’s a seasonal smash hit—literally!
Want more fresh & fruity cocktails?
- Blackberry Basil Gin Fizz
- Cucumber Elderflower Collins
- Strawberry Aperol Spritz
Made it? Loved it?
Tag your beautiful cocktails with #RaspberryGinSmash on Instagram or Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your pink-hued creations!