Enjoy our Russian Spring Punch recipe, a rejuvenating medley of Vodka, Crème de Cassis, and a Champagne finale destined to be a crowd-pleaser at your next sun-drenched gathering!
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
174
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz Crème de Cassis
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2-3 oz Champagne or Prosecco
- Ice cubes
- Fresh berries - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes and stir them.
- Combine Ingredients: In the shaker, combine ½ oz simple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, ½ oz Crème de Cassis, and 1 oz Vodka.
- Shake: Add ice into the shaker and shake well.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your ice-filled highball glass.
- Top with Champagne: Gently pour 2-3 oz Champagne or Prosecco into the glass, filling it to the top.
- Stir: Stir gently the mixture, ensuring that you do not remove the bubbles and mix the sparkling wine properly.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh berries if desired.
Notes
Substitutes:
You can tweak the Russian Spring Punch recipe in several ways. If you don't have vodka, white rum or gin can stand in, altering the flavor profile subtly but keeping the spirit! Crème de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, is unique, but in its absence, I've used Chambord (raspberry liqueur) or a blackberry syrup as a non-alcoholic option; both lend a delightful fruitiness. For Champagne, any sparkling wine will do — Prosecco or Cava offer nice alternatives. And if you're out of fresh lemon juice, bottled works in a pinch, though fresh lifts the drink!Making a Pitcher:
You'll need to scale up to create a pitcher serving 8 people. Use 8 oz of vodka, 8 oz of lemon juice, 4 oz of crème de cassis, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 16-24 oz of Champagne. Combine vodka, lemon juice, crème de cassis, and simple syrup in the pitcher, stirring well. When ready to serve, pour into individual ice-filled glasses, top each with Champagne, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for bubbly enjoyment!Making it Non-Alcoholic:
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka with an equal amount of non-alcoholic vodka or white grape juice for sweetness. Skip the crème de cassis in favor of a blackcurrant cordial or syrup. Instead of Champagne, opt for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or use club soda or sparkling water for that fizzy touch. Follow the rest of the steps and have a refreshing, alcohol-free spring punch!Making it Vegan:
The basic Russian Spring Punch recipe is inherently vegan, but be mindful of the wine. Some wines, including Champagne, undergo fining processes using animal products. To ensure your drink is 100% vegan, opt for a vegan-labeled Champagne or sparkling wine, and check the labels on your other ingredients, especially if they're substitutes. Enjoy your cruelty-free, spirited concoction!What is a Russian Spring Punch?
A Russian Spring Punch is a cocktail that blends Vodka with Crème de Cassis, lemon juice and Champagne. This drink holds a special spot in cocktails, often hailed for its refreshing yet sophisticated character, ideal for lively spring and summer gatherings. The name “Russian Spring Punch” reflects its origins and the lively kick it brings, much like the rejuvenating spirit of spring.
What is a Russian Spring Punch made of – The ingredients
These ingredients are what goes into a Russian Spring Punch:
- Vodka: Provides the base spirit of the cocktail, lending a clean, clear, and neutral alcohol undertone.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy acidity, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients and contributing a fresh zestiness.
- Crème de Cassis: The drink has a deep, sweet, and fruity flavor, giving the cocktail its signature dark red hue.
- Simple Syrup: Offers sweetness to counteract the tartness of the lemon, making the cocktail more palatable and well-rounded.
- Champagne or Prosecco: Introduces effervescence and a sophisticated complexity, lightening the drink’s overall profile and enhancing its refreshing quality.
- Fresh Berries (optional for garnish): Contribute a visual appeal and a hint of fresh berry flavor, complementing the Crème de Cassis and adding a finishing touch to the presentation.
