First things first — thank you for being here! Seriously. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail shaker or just starting to explore the world of at-home mixology, I’m so excited to share this with you. It means a lot that you’re spending a few minutes of your day here — and I promise, this recipe will be worth every second.

Let’s dive right in: the Raspberry Rebel cocktail is bold, zesty, and completely unforgettable. With vodka, cranberry juice, lime, and just a touch of orange-flavored triple sec, this drink is as fearless as it sounds. It’s tangy, juicy, just a little sweet, and incredibly refreshing — the kind of cocktail that makes you feel like you’re living your best life with every single sip.

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What Is the Raspberry Rebel Cocktail?

The Raspberry Rebel cocktail is a fierce, fruit-forward drink that combines a punch of citrus with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry and a smooth vodka base. It’s everything a signature drink should be: eye-catching, delicious, and a little bit edgy. This is the cocktail you whip out when you want to impress — but don’t want to spend all day prepping.

The name Raspberry Rebel isn’t just fun to say. It perfectly captures the bold, vibrant character of this drink. It breaks the mold. It’s not shy, not subtle, and definitely not boring.

You’ll want to make this one again and again — and I won’t judge if you end up keeping cranberry juice stocked just for this.

Why You’ll Fall Hard for This Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in 5 minutes flat
Vibrant, bold flavor: That lime and cranberry combo sings
Perfect party drink: Scales up beautifully for pitchers or punch bowls
No complicated tools: You just need a shaker and a glass
Customizable: Tons of options for swaps and add-ins
Looks amazing: Sugar rim and raspberry garnish for a visual wow factor

It’s one of those recipes that feels like more effort than it is — and don’t we all need a few of those in our back pocket?

What Does the Raspberry Rebel Taste Like?

Imagine the tart zing of fresh lime juice dancing with the rich, ruby tang of cranberry. Now layer in the clean bite of vodka and the citrusy sweetness of triple sec. It’s balanced but bold — a little sweet, a little sharp, and absolutely refreshing.

The sugar rim adds a surprising contrast that makes every sip pop. It’s like that rebellious friend who shows up in heels to brunch and still makes everyone laugh — a little extra, but in the best possible way.

Surprising Benefits of This Cocktail

Okay, let’s not pretend this is a green smoothie… but there are a few perks to this cocktail that you might not expect:

Cranberry juice is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C
Fresh lime juice gives a boost of immune-friendly goodness and supports digestion
Low-calorie potential: When made with light cranberry juice or swapped with sparkling water, this drink stays relatively light
No added syrups or heavy mixers — unlike creamy or soda-heavy drinks

Cocktail with benefits? Yes, please.

Ingredients for Raspberry Rebel Cocktail

Here’s everything you need to stir up your new signature sip:

1.5 oz Vodka – smooth and versatile; choose your favorite brand
1 oz Cranberry Juice – tart and bright; 100% juice is best
1 oz Lime Juice – freshly squeezed for max flavor
0.5 oz Triple Sec – adds a touch of orange sweetness
Ice – for shaking and chilling
Sugar – for rimming the glass and leveling up the experience
Garnish: Fresh raspberries and a lime wedge

Recommended Tools

Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid works)
Jigger or shot glass
Small plate for sugar rim
Rocks glass or coupe glass
Citrus juicer (optional, but handy)

Fun Variations and Ingredient Swaps

This is where you get to play. The Raspberry Rebel is incredibly flexible — and here’s how you can make it your own:

Spirits

Swap vodka for gin for an herbal, aromatic twist
Try white rum or tequila blanco for a summer-ready remix
Go dark with bourbon for a smoky, bold variation

Juice

Add a splash of orange juice for a tropical edge
Try pomegranate juice instead of cranberry for deeper flavor

Sweetness

Add a little simple syrup or agave if you want a sweeter sip
Use flavored vodka like raspberry or citrus for extra oomph

Spice It Up

Rim your glass with Tajín or chili-sugar for a spicy-sweet kick
Muddle jalapeño slices into the shaker for a touch of heat

How to Make a Raspberry Rebel Cocktail

Let’s get to the fun part — time to shake things up.

Step 1: Rim the Glass
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Pour sugar onto a small plate, then dip the rim into the sugar to coat it generously. Set aside.

What to Serve With the Raspberry Rebel

This cocktail is the ultimate party-starter, so let’s build a vibe:

Spicy dishes: shrimp tacos, buffalo wings, or Korean BBQ
Cheese platters: brie, sharp cheddar, goat cheese with crackers
Fruity desserts: raspberry tart, lemon bars, or chocolate-dipped fruit
Mini sliders or flatbreads: perfect to balance the sweet-tart cocktail

Hosting tip: Serve this with a DIY taco board or nacho bar for an easy entertaining win.

Hosting a Party? Make a Pitcher Version

Planning for a crowd? The Raspberry Rebel is perfect for batching.

For a pitcher (serves 6-8):
9 oz vodka
6 oz cranberry juice
6 oz lime juice
3 oz triple sec
Mix everything in a pitcher and chill for at least an hour. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice or pour over fresh ice in sugar-rimmed glasses. Garnish each drink before serving.

Tips for the Best Raspberry Rebel Ever

Use fresh lime juice – bottled can’t compare
Chill your glass for extra refreshment
Use good-quality vodka — it’s the flavor base
Don’t over-sweeten — the sugar rim is the perfect contrast
Shake hard — proper chilling and dilution makes a huge difference

How to Store and Make Ahead

While cocktails are best fresh, you can prep a batch of the base mix and refrigerate for 24 hours. Just shake with ice before serving.

Pro tip: Rim your glasses ahead of time and keep them upright in the fridge on a tray

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes. Replace vodka with club soda or sparkling water, and skip the triple sec or use orange juice instead. It’s just as refreshing and fun.

Is there a lower-calorie version?

Definitely. Use light cranberry juice and a splash of soda water to reduce sugar and calories.

What if I don’t have triple sec?

No problem. Sub in orange liqueur like Cointreau, or use a splash of orange juice if needed.

Can I make this frozen?

Absolutely. Blend all ingredients with ice until slushy. Serve in a tall glass with a straw for a Raspberry Rebel Freeze.

Wrapping It Up: The Rebel That Deserves a Spot on Your Bar Cart

The Raspberry Rebel cocktail isn’t just a drink — it’s a vibe. It’s bold. It’s beautiful. It’s simple to make but layered in flavor. Whether you’re toasting with friends or treating yourself after a long day, this cocktail brings celebration to every moment.

You don’t need a fancy bar setup. You don’t need an occasion. All you need is five minutes, a few ingredients, and a little rebel spirit.

More Cocktails You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this cocktail, here are a few more to shake up next:

Drunk Bunny Cocktail Recipe – a colorful blend of fruit and fizz with a cheeky kick
Watermelon Margarita Jello Shots – playful, summery, and perfect for parties
Easter Peeps Mimosa – a sparkling, sweet twist on brunch bubbles

Let’s Stay Connected

Tried this recipe? Leave a review in the comments or tag your Raspberry Rebel creation on Pinterest or Instagram using #RaspberryRebel. I love seeing what you’re sipping and how you make it your own.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 170
Carbs: 12g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Alcohol Content: ~14g

Cheers to shaking things up with something bold, beautiful, and impossible to ignore.

Raspberry Rebel Cocktail Recipe

Author: Olivia

Print Recipe

Description

The Raspberry Rebel cocktail is bold, zesty, and anything but boring. This quick and easy drink mixes vodka, cranberry juice, lime, and triple sec into a vibrant, sugar-rimmed glass that’s perfect for parties or a solo sip at the end of a long day. It’s a total crowd-pleaser with just the right balance of tart and sweet — and you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 oz vodka
1 oz cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
1 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz triple sec
Ice (for shaking and serving)
Sugar (for rimming the glass)

Garnish: Fresh raspberries and a lime wedge

Instructions

Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it in sugar to coat the edge. Set aside.
In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
Strain the cocktail into your sugar-rimmed glass over fresh ice.

Garnish with a few raspberries and a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor — skip the bottled stuff if you can.
For a spicy twist, rim the glass with Tajín or chili-sugar instead of plain sugar.
Want to make it non-alcoholic? Swap the vodka and triple sec for sparkling water and a splash of orange juice.
Hosting? This drink scales up beautifully — multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher.

To make it frozen, blend everything with ice for a slushy-style cocktail.