Elegant Raspberry Cordial Cocktail
If you’re a fan of cocktails that strike the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and sophisticated, you’re in for a treat. This raspberry cordial cocktail is a grown-up spin on the classic homemade cordial, combining the vibrant sweetness of raspberry syrup with the crisp, botanical notes of gin. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or a spring brunch, this cocktail is guaranteed to impress.
What I Love About This Cocktail
What Is Raspberry Cordial?
If you’re picturing a syrupy, ruby-red liquid that dances between tart and sweet, you’re spot on. Raspberry cordial is a non-alcoholic beverage made by combining fresh raspberries, sugar, and water to create a luscious syrup that’s diluted with water or soda for serving. It’s perfect for sipping on hot days, pouring over desserts, or mixing into cocktails if you’re feeling adventurous.
Tools You Will Need
Ingredients for Raspberry Cordial
- Raspberries. These can be fresh or frozen. I prefer frozen for ease of use and availability.
- Lemons. Make sure you use fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Sugar. Granulated sugar is best to keep the red color pure, but brown sugar or even honey can be used in a pinch. Just know that they will alter the flavor.
How to make Raspberry Cordial:
- Add the raspberries and sugar to a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved (about 10 minutes).
3. Mash the mixture thoroughly with a potato masher.
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4. Pour through a strainer and extract as much of the juice as possible. You can use the back of a spoon to press it through the strainer. This can take a while so be patient. Discard the pulp and seeds.
5. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. Stir to combine.
6. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. From here you can enjoy as is, or make the cocktail recipe below.
TIP: You can easily double this recipe for a larger batch. You’ll be happy you did.
How to make the Cocktail:
- Combine the Gin, Orange Liqueur, and Raspberry Cordial in your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously then strain into your chilled glass.
- Add 2-3 dashes of Rose Water (or bitters).
- Garnish and serve.
I used these darling little pink bow drink charms to garnish my glasses. They are perfect for bow parties, weddings, baby showers and more!
Substitutions & Variations
GIN. If you aren’t a fan of Gin, this cocktail is also delicious with Vodka for a cleaner raspberry flavor, or Brandy for a warm and festive alternative.
ROSE WATER. If you don’t have Rose Water, Lavender or Orange Bitters make a great substitute.
PRO TIPS:
Gin Matters: If you want a more floral flavor, try using a gin like Hendrick’s. For something bold and juniper-forward, go with a classic London dry gin.
Batch It Up: Hosting a party? Scale up the ingredients and serve it in a punch bowl or pitcher for easy pouring.
Elevate the Look: Rim your glass with sugar or add a twist of lemon peel for extra flair.
Raspberry Cordial Cocktail
Ingredients
Raspberry Cordial
- 12 oz. Fresh or Frozen Raspberries unsweetened
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 Lemon squeezed
- 2 cups Water
Raspberry Cordial Cocktail
- 1.5 oz. Gin
- 0.5 oz. Orange Liqueur
- 2 oz. prepared Raspberry Cordial
- 2-3 dashes Rose Water
Instructions
Raspberry Cordial
- Add the raspberries and sugar to a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved (about 10 minutes).
- Mash the mixture thoroughly with a potato masher.
- Pour through a strainer and extract as much of the juice as possible. You can use the back of a spoon to press it through the strainer. This can take a while so be patient. Discard the pulp and seeds.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. Stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. From here you can enjoy as is, or make the cocktail recipe below.
Raspberry Cordial Cocktail
- Combine the gin, orange liquor, and raspberry cordial in your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously then strain into your chilled glass.
- Add 2-3 dashes of rose water.
- Garnish and serve.
Notes
More Spring Recipes
Celebrate the blooming season with floral cocktails, tea party appetizers, and festive décor ideas.