Save My friend Sarah showed up at my place with a bottle of prosecco left over from Valentine's Day, and we both groaned at the thought of it going flat. Instead of letting it sit in the fridge, I grabbed some raspberries from the freezer and a lime, and within minutes we had something that tasted like summer in a glass. That spontaneous afternoon taught me that the best drinks aren't always planned—sometimes they're born from what's already in your kitchen and a little bit of curiosity.
I've made this for small gatherings countless times now, and there's always that moment when someone takes their first sip and their eyes light up. It happened again last month when I served it to my book club—everyone assumed it was something complicated, and their surprise when I explained it was basically just muddled fruit and bubbles made the whole thing even sweeter.
Ingredients
- Fresh raspberries: Use them straight from the freezer if fresh aren't available; they actually work just as well and sometimes hold their structure better when muddled.
- Lime: Thin slices release more juice and look beautiful floating in the glass, so take a second to slice them properly.
- Vodka: Optional, but it rounds out the drink and keeps it from tasting too sweet if you're using prosecco.
- Simple syrup: This is where you control the sweetness; start with a tablespoon and taste as you go rather than oversweetening from the start.
- Sparkling water or club soda: The backbone of the drink, so use something you'd actually want to drink on its own.
- Leftover prosecco or sparkling wine: This is the moment those half-empty bottles find a purpose, though regular sparkling wine works just fine too.
- Fresh mint and lime wedges: These transform the drink from simple to something you'd order at a bar, so don't skip them.
Instructions
- Muddle the fruit:
- Put your raspberries and lime slices in a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass with the simple syrup, then gently crush them together until you see the bright pink juices releasing. You want the fruit broken down but not obliterated into pulp.
- Add the ice and spirits:
- If you're using vodka, pour it in now, then fill your shaker with ice cubes. The cold temperature helps everything blend together harmoniously.
- Top with bubbles:
- Pour in your sparkling water and prosecco (if using), then give it a gentle stir—aggressive mixing will flatten the bubbles faster than you'd like.
- Strain and serve:
- Pour the whole thing into two ice-filled glasses through a strainer so you catch the larger fruit pieces. The smaller bits that slip through add texture and flavor.
- Finish with garnish:
- Tuck a few fresh mint leaves into each glass and hang a lime wedge on the rim, then serve immediately while everything is still cold and fizzy.
Save There's something about handing someone a beautiful, cold drink that tastes bright and alive that makes you feel genuinely generous, even though you barely lifted a finger. That's when I realized this cocktail isn't really about the ingredients—it's about creating a moment where people feel celebrated, especially when it came from something as casual as cleaning out the fridge.
Making It Your Own
I've tried swapping raspberries for strawberries when raspberries were too expensive, and honestly, strawberries work beautifully—they're milder and let the lime shine through even more. Blackberries are another natural choice, though they're earthier and will shift the whole flavor profile into something deeper and less summery. The beauty of this drink is that it's forgiving enough to accommodate whatever berry you have on hand without losing its essential character.
The Mocktail Version
Last summer my brother brought his pregnant partner to a gathering, and I immediately thought of this recipe without the vodka or prosecco. Just increasing the sparkling water to a full cup and a half creates something just as refreshing and festive, and honestly, some guests preferred it to the alcoholic version because the fruit flavors came through more cleanly. I've learned that sometimes the non-alcoholic version is actually the star of the show, so don't treat it like a lesser option—it's its own legitimate drink.
Timing and Temperature Tricks
The only real challenge with this drink is that it waits for no one—the ice melts, the bubbles fade, and the whole thing goes flat faster than you'd expect. I've started chilling my glasses in the freezer for at least ten minutes before mixing, which buys you extra time before the drink starts diluting. Getting everything cold from the start means the drink stays at its best for those crucial first few minutes when someone is actually enjoying it.
- Freeze your glasses beforehand so the cold drink stays cold longer without watering down.
- Prep your fruit garnishes ahead of time so you're not hunting for a knife when guests are ready to drink.
- Keep your prosecco or sparkling wine in the fridge so it's already chilled and ready to pour.
Save This drink has become my go-to move for turning leftover bubbles and random fruit into something that feels intentional and thoughtful. Make it once, and you'll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want something that tastes like you tried harder than you actually did.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the vodka and prosecco, and increase the sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail version.
- → What berries can I use instead of raspberries?
Strawberries or blackberries make excellent alternatives, offering a similar fruity brightness.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
Modify the amount of simple syrup to suit your preference, adding more for extra sweetness or less for a tart finish.
- → What is the best way to muddle the fruit?
Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush raspberries and lime slices with the syrup until juicy and fragrant.
- → Are there any allergen concerns with these ingredients?
This drink is naturally free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, nuts, and eggs, making it a safe choice for many dietary needs.
- → What garnishes enhance this drink?
Fresh mint leaves and extra lime wedges complement the fruity and citrus flavors, adding aroma and visual appeal.
