Spring has finally arrived and summer is right around the corner, insiders. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the birds are chirping. In Chicago, we cannot take a single warm day for granted and for this very reason we aspire to make everyday a fiesta.
Mother's Day is this weekend and, no matter what mom says, she wants to be treated like the queen that she is. For this very reason, I've crafted a special cocktail reflective of my own mom: a sweet, strong, passionate woman full of vibrant energy. This craft cocktail, the Raspberry Moscato Sangria Delight, will not only be a hit with mom but a vibrant piece of delish for any summer occasion.
To boost the raspberry flavor, I made a sweet raspberry simple syrup by boiling frozen red raspberries with water and sugar. When the syrup cools, it gets strained through a mesh sieve to capture the pulp and seeds. I also added a generous splash of red berry vodka. You could also use raspberry vodka or raspberry liquor (anything but raspberry schnapps will work). For a bit of bubble, I finished off the sangria with a touch of champagne.
1 cup halved strawberries
1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
1 (750 ml) bottle chilled Moscato
1 recipe raspberry simple syrup (recipe below)
1/2 cup red berry or raspberry vodka
1 cup champagne
Raspberry Simple Syrup 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
Directions: Sangria Add fruit to the bottom of a large pitcher. Top with chilled Moscato, raspberry simple syrup, and vodka. Stir to combine. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill.
Before serving, stir in lemon-lime soda.
Raspberry Simple Syrup In a small pot, add raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Take the mixture off the heat and allow it to come to room-temperature. Strain the mixture through a mesh sieve. If you're not going to use the mixture right away, store in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. The mixture can be made 3 days ahead.