There's something magical about the first sip of a Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler on a sun-soaked afternoon. With its vibrant pink hue, fizzy bubbles, and the zing of fresh lemon paired with sweet-tart raspberries, this drink practically tastes like vacation.
I first mixed up a version of this sparkler during a backyard barbecue when I needed something refreshing that wasn’t too sugary but still felt festive. Since then, it's become my signature summer drink – light, pretty, and incredibly easy to whip up with just a few ingredients.
Whether you're hosting a pool party, enjoying a quiet moment on the porch, or looking for a fun non-alcoholic option everyone can enjoy, this raspberry lemon sparkler fits the bill perfectly. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to sip this all summer long.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to summer beverage. This Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler is everything you want in a warm-weather drink – vibrant, crisp, and ridiculously easy to make.
First and foremost, it’s refreshingly simple. No complicated syrups or fancy equipment needed. Just fresh ingredients and a few minutes of prep for a sparkling drink that feels far more special than the effort it takes.
This drink is also budget-friendly. Fresh raspberries and lemons are typically easy to find during summer, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples or inexpensive store-bought mixers.
And let’s talk about versatility. You can serve it as-is for a family-friendly mocktail, or spike it with vodka, gin, or prosecco for a grown-up twist. It adapts beautifully to any gathering or preference.
Finally, it's a total crowd-pleaser. Kids love the fizz and fruity flavor, adults appreciate the balanced sweetness and tartness, and everyone comments on how pretty it looks in a glass. Garnish with fresh mint or lemon wheels, and you’ve got a party-perfect presentation.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this drink lies in its fresh, colorful ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something both beautiful and delicious.
Fresh raspberries are the heart of this sparkler. Their natural tartness gives the drink a pop of flavor and a rich, ruby-pink color when muddled. For the best flavor, choose berries that are plump, deep red, and fragrant. You can also use frozen raspberries in a pinch, but let them thaw slightly first for easier muddling.
Lemons bring the sparkle to life with their bright, zesty juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference here – it cuts through the sweetness with a clean, refreshing tang. If you want extra lemon flavor, you can also add a few strips of zest or a lemon wheel garnish.
Sparkling water or club soda adds the essential fizz. I prefer unflavored soda water to let the fruit shine, but lemon or raspberry-flavored sparkling water works too. For a sweeter version, you can use lemon-lime soda or tonic water instead.
Simple syrup ties it all together. You can easily make your own by simmering equal parts sugar and water until dissolved, then letting it cool. This allows you to control the sweetness to your liking. For a twist, try infusing the syrup with mint or basil.
To bring it all together, you’ll need a muddler or wooden spoon to crush the berries and a strainer if you prefer a smoother finish. A tall pitcher or cocktail shaker is helpful if you’re mixing up a batch.
How To Make This Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler

Making this Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler couldn’t be easier, and the result is as pretty as it is refreshing. Here’s how to make it step-by-step.
Start by muddling your fresh raspberries in the bottom of a large glass or cocktail shaker. You want to gently mash them until they release their juices but don’t completely pulverize the seeds. This step is where the color and flavor come from, so take your time and enjoy the berry aroma.
Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to the muddled raspberries. Stir or shake to combine, letting the syrup and juice pull all the flavor from the berries. Taste at this point and adjust sweetness if needed – you want a good balance of tart and sweet before adding the fizz.
If you prefer a smoother drink, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a fresh glass or pitcher to remove seeds and pulp. This step is optional but makes for a more polished presentation, especially for guests.
Top off the mixture with sparkling water. Pour it in slowly to preserve the bubbles and stir gently just once or twice. You should see a lovely, foamy fizz rise to the top, blending beautifully with the pink base.
Serve immediately over ice in a tall glass, garnished with a few whole raspberries, a lemon wheel, or even a sprig of mint. Each glass should be light, fizzy, and beautifully pink – summer in a cup!
From start to finish, you’re looking at just 10 minutes of prep time. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or a refreshing treat whenever you need a cool-down.
Storage Options
While this drink is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the fizz, you can still prep some of the components ahead of time for quick assembly later.
You can make the raspberry-lemon base (muddled berries, lemon juice, and syrup) up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and strain it ahead of time if desired. Give it a good shake or stir before adding your bubbles.
Avoid mixing in the sparkling water until just before serving. The carbonation fades quickly, so for maximum sparkle, always top off the drink right before pouring.
If you end up with leftovers, store them in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge and drink within 24 hours. Keep in mind the drink will be less fizzy, but still flavorful.
For single servings later, consider freezing the base into ice cube trays. Just pop a few into a glass and pour over sparkling water when ready to serve!
Variations and Substitutions
This sparkler is the definition of flexible. Once you master the base formula, the variations are endless – and fun to experiment with.
For a cocktail version, just add a shot of vodka, gin, or prosecco to each glass before topping with sparkling water. Gin works especially well with the citrus and berry combo.
Not a fan of raspberries? Try strawberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries instead. Just follow the same muddling and straining process to extract the flavor and color.
If you're avoiding added sugar, skip the syrup and use a flavored sparkling water with a hint of sweetness. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a splash of fruit juice to balance the tartness naturally.
To make it extra festive, freeze some berries into your ice cubes or use crushed ice for a slushie-style twist. Add a paper straw or drink umbrella and you’ve got an instant summer party vibe.
And if you're making this for a crowd, double or triple the recipe and serve it in a large pitcher or drink dispenser. Just leave the sparkling water on the side and let guests top off their own glasses to keep it fresh and fizzy.
No matter how you make it, don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own. That’s the beauty of a simple, seasonal drink like this – it’s just as fun to customize as it is to sip.
PrintSummer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler Drink Recipe
Enjoy a refreshing Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler Drink, a perfect combination of fresh raspberries and zesty lemon. This sparkling drink is perfect for hot days, easy to make, and packed with vibrant flavors. Make it your go-to summer beverage for a sweet, tangy, and fizzy treat!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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Fresh raspberries (1 cup)
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Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp)
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Sparkling water (2 cups)
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Honey or simple syrup (1-2 tbsp)
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Ice cubes
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Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
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Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a blender, combine raspberries and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
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In a glass, pour the raspberry-lemon juice mixture, add honey or simple syrup, and stir well.
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Fill the glass with ice cubes.
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Top with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
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Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves for extra flavor and visual appeal.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or simple syrup to taste.
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You can use frozen raspberries for a colder, more chilled version.
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Make a batch in advance for easy entertaining; just keep the raspberry-lemon mixture refrigerated and add sparkling water when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
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