Russian Spring Punch
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 15.2% ABV ∙
The Russian Spring Punch shakes vodka with raspberries, crème de framboise, crème de cassis and lemon, then tops it with dry sparkling wine. Raspberry and blackcurrant fruit lead over a bright lemon tartness, the vodka backbone lifted by a fine, dry fizz on top.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake the first 6 ingredients with ice: Fresh raspberries 7 pcsVodka 45 mlCrème de Framboise 10 mlCrème de Cassis 10 mlLemon juice 20 mlSugar syrup 10 ml
- Pour Dry sparkling wine 50 ml into the shaker
- Strain into the ice-filled glass
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and seasonal berries
- Note: Can be scaled up and served from a punch bowl or a large pitcher
Tips
- Shake the raspberries hard enough to properly break them down — this releases their pulp and color into the mix, not just their juice.
- Add the sparkling wine to the shaker before straining rather than topping the glass, so it integrates evenly through the drink.
- Scale the shaken portion up proportionally if serving from a punch bowl or pitcher, adding the sparkling wine just before serving.
History
The Russian Spring Punch was created in London in the 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell. He later described it in the December 1997–January 1998 issue of CLASS magazine as essentially a spiked Kir Royal served over ice, built on the old punch formula of one part sweet, two sour, three strong, and four weak, with sparkling wine standing in for most of the "weak" element. Bradsell said he could no longer recall which bar he was working at when he devised it, and recounted creating the drink for friends who wanted to throw a cocktail party without the expense of stocking full bottles of spirits: guests were provided with vodka, cassis, syrup, and lemon juice, and simply asked to bring their own sparkling wine to top it up.
FAQ
How do you make a Russian Spring Punch?
Shake fresh raspberries, vodka, crème de framboise, crème de cassis, lemon juice, and sugar syrup with ice, then add the sparkling wine into the shaker and strain the whole mix into an ice-filled glass. It is finished with a lemon wheel and seasonal berries, and can also be batched and served from a punch bowl or pitcher for a group.
What is in a Russian Spring Punch?
Vodka, fresh raspberries, crème de framboise, crème de cassis, lemon juice, and sugar syrup, topped with dry sparkling wine. The fruit liqueurs and berries give it its pink color, while the sparkling wine keeps it light and effervescent.
Is a Russian Spring Punch shaken or stirred?
Shaken. The raspberries need the shake to break down, and the vodka and lemon juice need proper chilling and aeration, so everything but the sparkling wine goes into the shaker before straining.
How strong is a Russian Spring Punch?
About 15.2% ABV, which is lighter than most vodka cocktails since it is stretched with sparkling wine and fresh fruit.
Is a Russian Spring Punch a Russian cocktail?
No, it is not a traditional Russian drink. It's a modern punch built around a vodka base, with the name simply nodding to that spirit rather than to any Russian heritage.
