Smirnoff Raspberry is a flavored vodka made by Smirnoff. As with any flavored spirit, an important question is what mixers and ingredients pair well with it. Raspberry vodka like Smirnoff Raspberry has a sweet and fruit-forward taste profile, making it versatile for mixing into a variety of different cocktails. In this article, we’ll explore what common mixers pair well with Smirnoff Raspberry vodka, what cocktails and shots it works well in, and some food pairings that complement the raspberry flavor.
What Mixers Go Well With Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka?
When mixing a flavored vodka like Smirnoff Raspberry, you’ll want to select mixers that either complement or contrast the sweet raspberry flavors. Here are some of the most popular mixers people use with raspberry vodka:
Lemon-Lime Soda
Lemon-lime sodas like 7-Up or Sprite make an easy, refreshing mixer with Smirnoff Raspberry. The tart citrus flavors balance out the sweetness of the raspberry vodka. For a basic vodka soda, combine Smirnoff Raspberry with lemon-lime soda and serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
Ginger Ale
The subtle spiciness of ginger ale also complements the sweet raspberry vodka nicely. Mix Smirnoff Raspberry with ginger ale for a simple mixed drink. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten it up.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice and raspberry vodka go together like peas in a pod. The tart cranberry flavor blends beautifully with the sweet raspberry. For a basic cocktail, combine Smirnoff Raspberry with cranberry juice and serve over ice. Fancy it up by adding lime juice and garnishing with cranberries.
Lemonade or Fruit Juices
Other fruity juices like lemonade, orange juice, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, etc also pair well with Smirnoff Raspberry. The fruit flavors meld together nicely. Balance the sweetness by adding a squeeze of citrus like lemon or lime.
Soda Water or Tonic Water
For a lighter, less sugary mixer, try soda water or tonic water with Smirnoff Raspberry. The bubbles help lift the fruit flavors. Add a squeeze of citrus and/or a splash of cranberry for more dimension.
Sweet & Sour Mix
Sweet and sour mix (which contains pineapple and lemon juice) counterbalances the sweet raspberry vodka beautifully. Mix with ice and garnish with brandied cherries or a maraschino cherry.
Other Flavored Vodkas
You can also mix Smirnoff Raspberry with other flavored vodkas. Try combinations like raspberry + citrus or raspberry + vanilla. Just be careful not to make the flavor profile overly sweet. Balance with lemon/lime juice.
Cocktails & Shots That Use Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka
Beyond simple two or three-ingredient mixes, Smirnoff Raspberry also shines in a variety of cocktails and shots. Here are some popular recipes to try:
Raspberry Lemon Drop
– 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Lemon wedge for garnish
Shake over ice and strain into a chilled glass rimmed with sugar. Garnish with lemon. The sweet-tart combo is delightful.
Raspberry Mojito
– 10 mint leaves
– 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Club soda
– Lime wedge & mint sprig garnish
Muddle the mint, lime juice and simple syrup. Add raspberry vodka and ice, shake and strain over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with lime and mint. A fruity twist on the classic mojito.
Raspberry Kamikaze
– 1 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 1 oz triple sec
– 1 oz lime juice
Shake over ice and strain into a shot glass. The raspberry adds a tart fruitiness to the classic Kamikaze shot.
Raspberry Cosmo
– 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 1/2 oz Cointreau
– 1 oz cranberry juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– Lime wheel garnish
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lime. A raspberry twist on the Cosmopolitan.
Raspberry Margarita
– 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 1 oz triple sec
– 1 oz lime juice
– Lime wedge garnish
Shake over ice and strain into a glass with salt rim. Garnish with lime. Raspberry adds sweet fruitiness to the classic margarita.
Raspberry Mule
– 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 4-6 oz ginger beer
– Squeeze of lime juice
– Lime wedge garnish
Build in a copper mug or glass over ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge. A fruity spin on the Moscow Mule.
Raspberry Fizz
– 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– Lemon wheel garnish
Build in a tall glass over ice. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with a lemon wheel. Simple and refreshing.
Raspberry Collins
– 1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 1 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Club soda
– Lemon & cherry garnish
Shake vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with lemon and cherry. A fruity take on the Tom Collins.
Raspberry French 75
– 1 oz Smirnoff Raspberry
– 1 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3 oz Prosecco
– Lemon twist garnish
Shake vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Strain into a champagne flute and top with Prosecco. Garnish with a lemon twist. Light, bubbly and delicious.
Foods that Pair Well with Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka
In addition to mixers and cocktails, Smirnoff Raspberry vodka also pairs nicely with certain foods. The sweet raspberry flavors complement dishes featuring fruit, chocolate or vanilla. Here are some foods that go well with Smirnoff Raspberry:
Fruit Desserts
Fruit-based desserts like cakes, pies, cobblers, crisps, parfaits, etc featuring berries or stone fruits are a fantastic pairing. Try raspberry vodka with a slice of raspberry cheesecake for instance. The flavors marry together perfectly.
Chocolate Desserts
The raspberry vodka provides a nice fruit counterpoint to rich chocolate desserts like brownies, chocolate mousse, chocolate-dipped strawberries, etc.
Vanilla Desserts
Vanilla custards, pudding, ice cream and other desserts also complement the raspberry vodka well. The sweet flavors blend nicely together.
Fruit & Cheese
Fresh fruit and berry plates paired with soft cheeses like brie or chevre work nicely with the raspberry vodka. Try adding raspberry preserves as well.
Salads with Sweet Dressings
Fruit salads and green salads with sweet dressings like raspberry vinaigrette pair beautifully with the Smirnoff Raspberry flavors.
Spicy Foods
The sweet fruitiness of the raspberry vodka helps tame spicy foods like hot chicken wings, chili, curries, etc. It helps cool the palate.
BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork
Smoky BBQ meat dishes get a nice fruity lift from the raspberry vodka. The sweetness provides contrast to the savory meat.
Fruit Sauces & Glazes
Pork, chicken or fish dishes with fruit-based sauces and glazes like raspberry, cherry, etc will match well with the Smirnoff Raspberry profile.
Conclusion
Smirnoff Raspberry vodka provides sweet, fruit-forward raspberry flavor that pairs deliciously with a variety of mixers, cocktails, and dishes. Tart citrus sodas and juices help balance the sweetness, while fruit, chocolate and vanilla foods complement it. Raspberry margaritas, kamikazes, lemon drops and mojitos are all popular cocktails, along with easy mixed drinks like raspberry with cranberry juice or ginger ale. Next time you’re entertaining or simply relaxing at home, grab a bottle of Smirnoff Raspberry vodka to liven up your drinks and desserts with its sweet, berry flavors.
