Ingredients
- 2 cups Raspberries
- 1/2 cups Caster Sugar
- 2 tbsp Brandy
- 750 ml Sparkling White Wine
- Mint Leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Raspberry Mixture:
- Cook 2 cups of raspberries with 1/2 cup of caster sugar, stirring for 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
- Increase heat to high, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and raspberries break down.
Cool and Strain:
- Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Push the raspberry mixture through a fine sieve, discarding the solids (you'll need 2/3 cup in total).
- Add 2 tbsp brandy to the strained mixture and stir to combine. Set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Glasses:
- Dip the rim of each glass in water, then press into extra sugar to coat the rims.
Assemble the Cocktail:
- Divide the raspberry mixture among the serving glasses.
- Top with sparkling white wine.
Garnish and Serve:
- Thread extra raspberries and mint leaves onto toothpicks as a garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The precise origin of a Raspberry kiss, like many modern, fruit-centric cocktails, is not well-documented. It likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century in contemporary bars, designed for broad appeal rather than historical significance. It is a global concept, not tied to a specific region or era.
This drink slots into the broad family of vodka sours or flavored martinis. Its relatives include the Lemon Drop and the Cosmopolitan, sharing a base spirit and citrus balance. The key separator here is the prominent raspberry note, typically from a liqueur or muddled fruit.
You would order or serve a Raspberry kiss at a bustling cocktail lounge, a wedding reception, or a casual home gathering. It is a reliable choice for guests who prefer sweeter, fruitier drinks, and it is simple enough for any bartender to whip up without much fuss.
What it tastes like
A Raspberry kiss delivers a vibrant explosion of sweet and tart raspberry flavor upfront. The vodka provides a clean, neutral base, allowing the fruit and lemon to shine. It is bright, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink, with a smooth, fruity finish that leaves a pleasant tang.
With 2 ounces of vodka and 0.75 ounces of a 15-20% ABV raspberry liqueur, a Raspberry kiss clocks in around 20-22% ABV. That is roughly equivalent to two standard beers, making it a moderately strong cocktail that demands respect, despite its approachable taste.
The technique
To build a Raspberry kiss, combine vodka, raspberry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, then double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. A few fresh raspberries for garnish complete the presentation.
The ONE technique tip that matters most: always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled citrus will make this drink taste flat and artificial. Fresh juice provides the necessary bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the raspberry.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any good quality, neutral vodka. Absolut, Ketel One, or Tito's are solid choices.
- Skip
- Avoid flavored vodkas that clash with raspberry. Skip anything overly harsh or unrefined.
- Why
- Vodka provides a clean canvas, allowing the raspberry and lemon to be the stars of the show without competition.
Raspberry Liqueur
- Use
- Chambord is the classic choice for its rich, authentic raspberry flavor. Other good options include Giffard Crème de Framboise.
- Skip
- Avoid artificial-tasting, overly sweet, or low-quality liqueurs. Do not substitute with raspberry syrup alone.
- Why
- This is where the 'raspberry' in Raspberry kiss comes from. A quality liqueur provides depth and authentic fruit character.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Sparkling Kiss
- Bubbly and bright
- Top your Raspberry kiss with a splash of chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine for an effervescent lift and lighter mouthfeel.
Gin Kiss
- Botanical twist
- Substitute the vodka with a good London Dry gin. The botanicals will add a complex, aromatic layer that plays surprisingly well with the raspberry.
Creamy Kiss
- Dessert indulgence
- For a richer, dessert-like experience, add 0.5 oz of heavy cream or a dash of Irish cream liqueur to the shaker. It softens the tartness.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Muddle 5-6 fresh raspberries with 0.5 oz simple syrup, then strain out solids after shaking.
Fresh lime juice can work in a pinch, but it will shift the drink to a more tart, tropical profile. Adjust simple syrup as needed.
Agave nectar or honey syrup (1:1 honey to water) are decent alternatives. Start with half the amount and taste before adding more.
A large jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. Just make sure it is clean and can withstand vigorous shaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Raspberry kiss?
A standard Raspberry kiss contains vodka, raspberry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup.
Is a Raspberry kiss sweet?
Yes, it is definitely on the sweeter side, but the fresh lemon juice provides a crucial tart balance, preventing it from being cloying.
What glass should I use for a Raspberry kiss?
A chilled coupe or martini glass is ideal for serving a Raspberry kiss, showcasing its vibrant color and elegant presentation.
Can I make a Raspberry kiss without alcohol?
Absolutely. Muddle fresh raspberries with lemon juice and simple syrup, then top with soda water or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing mocktail.
What kind of vodka should I use for a Raspberry kiss?
A clean, neutral vodka works best. You want the raspberry and lemon flavors to dominate, not a strong vodka character.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
You can muddle frozen raspberries directly in the shaker, or use them as a chilled garnish. They work well, especially if fresh are out of season.
Is a Raspberry kiss a strong drink?
It is moderately strong, similar in alcohol content to two standard beers, so treat it with a bit of respect despite its easy-drinking nature.
Is a Raspberry kiss good for parties?
Yes, it is a fantastic party drink. Its appealing flavor profile and vibrant color make it a crowd-pleaser and easy to batch for larger groups.
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