Russian spring punch

Russian spring punch is a refreshing cocktail made with vodka, grapefruit juice, mint leaves, and sparkling water. It is perfect for warm weather and outdoor events.

Russian spring punch recipe

• 2.5 cl Vodka
• 1.5 cl Crème de cassis
• 1 cl Sugar Syrup
• 2.5 cl Lemon Juice

Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker except the sparkling wine, shake well with ice, strain into chilled tall tumbler glass filled with ice and top up with sparkling wine.

How to build a Russian Spring Punch

1. Fill a shaker with ice, then add the vodka, blackcurrant liqueur, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Fresh juice matters here: it gives the drink its sharp, bright edge.
2. Shake hard for about 10 to 12 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled and lightly aerated. You want enough dilution to soften the sweetness without flattening the fruit.
3. Pack a chilled highball glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice so the base stays cold and clean.
4. Top with sparkling wine, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles. A light stir with a bar spoon is enough to combine it without knocking out the fizz.
5. If you like, finish with a lemon slice or a few berries for a visual cue to the cassis inside. Serve immediately while the drink is lively and sparkling.

What it tastes like in the glass

Russian Spring Punch drinks like a sparkling, darker-fruited cousin of a French 75. The vodka keeps the structure clean, while cassis brings deep berry notes and a rich purple hue. Lemon cuts through the sweetness, and the sparkling wine lifts everything with a dry, crisp finish.

It should taste refreshing rather than sugary. If it seems too sharp, a touch more syrup helps; if it feels too rich, a slightly drier sparkling wine will bring it back into balance.

Best way to serve it

This cocktail shines very cold, with plenty of ice and strong carbonation. A highball glass works well because it shows off the color and leaves room for the sparkling topper. Use solid, fresh ice to slow dilution.

For parties, you can pre-batch the shaken base ahead of time and keep it chilled. Add ice and sparkling wine only when serving so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

A little background and an easy alcohol-free riff

Russian Spring Punch is a modern classic usually credited to London bartender Dick Bradsell, though exact early-date documentation varies. It belongs to the late-20th-century wave of cocktails that paired classic structure with bold, crowd-pleasing fruit flavors.

For a non-alcoholic version, shake lemon juice, blackcurrant cordial, and a little simple syrup with ice, then strain over fresh ice and top with alcohol-free sparkling wine or chilled soda water. You still get the punchy berry-citrus profile and celebratory sparkle.