Russian Spring Punch

The Russian Spring Punch is a vibrant, effervescent cocktail that fuses the boldness of vodka with the tartness of fresh lemon, the sweetness of crème de cassis, and the sparkle of chilled Prosecco. It’s a party in a glass—perfect for spring soirées, brunches, or whenever you want to bring a celebration to life. Its lively pink hue and refreshing, fruity profile make it a crowd-pleaser that’s both sophisticated and fun.

5 minutesMedium1 serving
Russian Spring Punch
Featured
Ingredients
1 serving
  • Vodka
    30 ml (1 oz)
    Use a quality vodka for a smooth base.
  • Crème de Cassis
    15 ml (0.5 oz)
    Blackcurrant liqueur; adds sweetness and deep color.
  • Fresh lemon juice
    15 ml (0.5 oz)
    Freshly squeezed for brightness.
  • Simple syrup
    15 ml (0.5 oz)
    Adjust to taste for sweetness.
  • Prosecco (or dry sparkling wine)
    60 ml (2 oz)
    Chilled; adds effervescence.
  • Ice
    1 cup
    For shaking and serving.
Tools Needed
  • Shaker
  • Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Bar spoon
  • Highball or Collins glass
Instructions
  1. Add vodka, crème de cassis, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and mix.

  3. Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.

  4. Top with chilled Prosecco (about 2 oz) for a sparkling finish.

  5. Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon to integrate.

  6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and/or fresh berries.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail
  • Vibrant, fruity flavor profile with the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
  • Beautiful color and bubbly presentation—ideal for celebrations.
  • Versatile: great as a single serve or scaled up for a punch bowl.
  • Simple, accessible ingredients found at most liquor stores.
  • A modern classic with a fun backstory—impress your guests!
History & Origin

The Russian Spring Punch was created by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s. Bradsell, known for crafting iconic cocktails like the Espresso Martini, designed this drink as an affordable party punch. The name nods to its Russian vodka base and the ‘spring’ of sparkling wine that finishes the drink. Originally intended for large gatherings, it quickly became a beloved individual serve, especially in the UK, thanks to its lively flavors and festive appearance.

Garnish

A lemon wheel and a few fresh blackberries or raspberries. This adds a pop of color, enhances the fruity aroma, and visually signals the cocktail’s berry flavors.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 160 calories per serving. Contains 17g carbs (from liqueur and syrup), 0g fat, and about 0.5g protein. Alcohol content varies with pour size and sparkling wine.

Frequently Asked Questions
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