Russian spring punch

Russian Spring Punch

(0 ratings)

A vibrant, effervescent cocktail created by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, featuring vodka, crème de cassis, fresh lemon, and sparkling wine.

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Highball Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (210ml)
  • Vodka 
    45 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    20 ml
  • Crème de Cassis 
    15 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1) 
    10 ml
  • Sparkling wine 
    90 ml
  • Lemon Wheel 
    1 piece
  • Blackberries 
    3 pieces
Recipe credit: Dick Bradsell

Instructions

Step

Fill a tall glass with ice to chill while preparing the cocktail.

Step

Add vodka, fresh lemon juice, crème de cassis, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds to chill and mix.

Step

Discard ice from the glass, refill with fresh ice, and strain the shaken mixture into the glass.

Step

Gently top with sparkling wine, filling to the rim.

Step

Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh blackberries and raspberries.

Equipment

Shaker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger
Bar spoon

Description

The Russian Spring Punch is a modern classic cocktail that perfectly balances tart lemon juice, sweet crème de cassis, clean vodka, and effervescent sparkling wine. Created by the iconic London bartender Dick Bradsell, this drink represents the pinnacle of refreshing sophistication, ideal for celebrations and warm-weather gatherings.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (210ml)
Calories
168
ABV
12.8 %
Alcohol
21.2 g
Carbs
8.5 g
Carbs from Sugar
8.2 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.1 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Allergens
Sulfites

Tips & Notes

  • Always shake all ingredients except the sparkling wine with ice for proper dilution and temperature. Add the sparkling wine last to preserve carbonation.

  • Use premium vodka and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor profile. The quality of ingredients is crucial in this simple but elegant cocktail.

  • Adjust the simple syrup quantity based on the sweetness of your crème de cassis and personal preference. Start with less and add more if needed.

  • Choose a dry sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco to prevent the cocktail from becoming overly sweet and to maintain proper balance.

  • Garnish with seasonal berries not only for visual appeal but also for aromatic enhancement as they release subtle fruit notes.

Yes, you can substitute crème de cassis with crème de framboise (raspberry), crème de mûre (blackberry), or other berry liqueurs. Each will create a different flavor profile while maintaining the cocktail’s essential character.

Dry sparkling wines work best to balance the sweetness. Champagne is traditional, but Prosecco, Cava, or any quality dry sparkling wine will work excellently. Avoid sweet sparkling wines as they will make the cocktail cloying.

You can batch the vodka, lemon juice, crème de cassis, and simple syrup components in advance and store refrigerated. When serving, shake individual portions with ice and top with sparkling wine, or prepare in a punch bowl and add sparkling wine just before serving.

Create a mocktail version by replacing vodka with additional sparkling water or ginger ale, using blackcurrant syrup instead of crème de cassis, and maintaining the lemon juice and simple syrup. Top with sparkling grape juice or prosecco-style non-alcoholic wine.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Vodka
    45 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    20 ml
  • Crème de Cassis
    15 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1)
    10 ml
  • Sparkling wine
    90 ml
  • Lemon Wheel
    1 piece
  • Blackberries
    3 pieces

Method

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice to chill while preparing the cocktail.
  2. Add vodka, fresh lemon juice, crème de cassis, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds to chill and mix.
  4. Discard ice from the glass, refill with fresh ice, and strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
  5. Gently top with sparkling wine, filling to the rim.
  6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh blackberries and raspberries.