Raspberry Moscato Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cozy Raspberry Moscato Cocktail Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something wonderfully soothing about a well-made cocktail that feels both special and effortless. I love how this Raspberry Moscato Cocktail Recipe wraps the gentle sweetness of fresh raspberries with the fragrant, floral notes of Moscato wine. It’s the kind of drink you’ll want to sip slowly on a calm weekend afternoon or serve when you want to delight guests without fuss. You’ll find that this cocktail is invitingly crisp, with just the right touch of fizz from the sparkling water. It’s bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced—no bitterness, no overwhelming sweetness, just a lovely harmony that awakens the senses. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new behind the bar. I remember the first time I tried this combo, and the vibrant pink hue caught my eye before the first sip even touched my lips. That toasty Moscato aroma mingled with tart raspberries instantly felt like a celebration in a glass. Let me walk you through making it yourself—you’ll soon see why it’s become a go-to for easy yet elegant gatherings.

Ingredient Lowdown

• Fresh raspberries (1 cup): Provide vibrant color and fresh tartness. If raspberries aren’t available, blackberries can work, but the flavor will shift slightly.
• Granulated sugar (2 teaspoons, optional): Balances tartness and enhances juiciness—feel free to adjust or omit depending on your berry sweetness.
• Moscato wine (4 ounces): A soft, floral, and slightly bubbly white wine adding a light sweetness that plays beautifully with the raspberries.
• Vodka (2 ounces): Adds a clean, neutral kick without overpowering the delicate fruit notes.
• Sparkling water or club soda (1 cup): Brings lively fizz and freshness, lending the cocktail a crisp, refreshing finish.
• Ice cubes: Essential for keeping your cocktail delightfully chilled without watering it down too fast.
• Mint leaves and extra raspberries (for garnish): Fresh herbs and berries not only brighten the look but add a lift of fragrance and texture.

Set Up for Success

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and tools to keep your prep smooth and stress-free. Mashing the raspberries works best with a sturdy muddler or the back of a spoon—you’ll want to extract those juicy flavors without pulverizing the seeds too much. Ice should be ready and plentiful to ensure your cocktail stays cool and crisp when served.

Step-by-Step: Raspberry Moscato Cocktail Recipe

1. Combine the raspberries and sugar in a small bowl. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently crush the berries until you release their juicy essence. You’ll notice the vibrant raspberry red deepening and sweet aromas emerging. If you prefer a smoother cocktail, set a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and strain the puree, catching just the luscious liquid while leaving the seeds behind.
2. Add the raspberry puree, Moscato wine, and vodka to your cocktail shaker. Fill halfway with ice to keep things cool without diluting too quickly. Seal and shake with a steady rhythm for about 15 seconds. You’ll hear the satisfying clink of ice and feel the shaker chill in your hand as the flavors meld.
3. Fill two glasses generously with ice cubes. This ensures your cocktail stays refreshingly cold longer. Strain the shaken mixture evenly into each glass, watching the toasty pink liquid cascade over the ice.
4. Top with sparkling water or club soda, pouring about half a cup into each glass. The bubbles will tickle your senses and balance the rich fruitiness with a crisp finish.
5. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and a few whole raspberries. The mint adds a burst of herbal fragrance that pairs beautifully with the sweetness, while the raspberries create that classic, inviting look.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the uplifting taste and elegant presentation of your Raspberry Moscato Cocktail!

Flavor Twists for Raspberry Moscato Cocktail Recipe

• Swap raspberries for fresh strawberries in spring for a sweeter, mellow flavor.
• Add a splash of elderflower liqueur to deepen floral notes and create layered sweetness.
• Muddle in some fresh basil leaves for an unexpected herbal crunch that pairs beautifully with Moscato.
• For a winter-appropriate twist, infuse simple syrup with cinnamon and use instead of granulated sugar.
• Try using flavored sparkling water (like lemon or lime) instead of plain club soda for added brightness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• The raspberry puree can be made a day ahead and stored tightly covered in the fridge—just give it a gentle stir before use.
• For the cocktail mix (without sparkling water), combine and keep chilled in the fridge up to 24 hours; add soda right before serving to maintain fizz.
• Ice cubes should always be fresh and stored separately to avoid any off-flavors.
• Prepared cocktails don’t freeze well because of the delicate textures and carbonation, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Raspberry Moscato Cocktail Recipe FAQs

• Can I make this cocktail without vodka? Yes! Simply omit it for a lighter, alcohol-lower version. It will be more like a sparkling raspberry Moscato spritzer—still gorgeous and refreshing.
• What if I don’t have Moscato wine? Try a sweet Riesling or even a sparkling rosé as substitutes; they’ll bring their own unique notes but complement raspberries well.
• How important is it to strain the raspberry puree? Straining is optional but recommended if you prefer a smooth, seed-free cocktail. It makes sipping more comfortable and elevates the texture.
• Can I prepare this cocktail for a crowd? Absolutely! Simply scale the ingredients proportionally and mix in a large pitcher. Keep the sparkling water separate and add just before serving.
• What glassware works best for this cocktail? Clear glasses like wine glasses or pretty tumblers showcase the vibrant color beautifully and let the mint sprig and raspberries shine as garnish.

Print