There’s something special about a cocktail that can be bold and refreshing at the same time. Today’s Drink of the Day: Raspberry Bourbon Collins delivers exactly that combination, bringing together smooth bourbon, juicy raspberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of sweetness, and sparkling club soda.

The result is a tall, colorful cocktail filled with contrasting flavors.

You get the richness and warmth of bourbon, the sweet-tart character of raspberries, the brightness of lemon, and the crisp fizz of club soda—all poured over plenty of ice.

It’s the kind of drink that feels right at home on a warm summer afternoon but has enough bourbon character to work well when the weather begins to cool.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, sitting outside after a long day, preparing cocktails for friends, or simply experimenting with bourbon drinks at home, the Raspberry Bourbon Collins is an easy cocktail worth adding to your collection.

A Fruity Twist on the Collins

The Collins family of cocktails has been around for generations, with the Tom Collins being its best-known member.

The classic concept is wonderfully simple: spirit, citrus, sweetness, ice, and sparkling water.

That combination produces a drink that’s refreshing without being complicated.

For today’s version, we’re taking inspiration from that classic formula and changing the personality of the cocktail.

Instead of relying on gin, we’re reaching for bourbon.

Bourbon adds significantly more depth and warmth to the drink. Depending on the bottle you choose, you might notice flavors reminiscent of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, brown sugar, fruit, cinnamon, or other baking spices.

Then we add fresh raspberries.

Their natural sweetness and tartness work beautifully against the deeper flavors of bourbon. Fresh lemon juice provides acidity, simple syrup balances the tart ingredients, and club soda lightens the entire cocktail.

It’s familiar enough for fans of classic cocktails but different enough to feel like something new.

Raspberry Bourbon Collins Recipe

Ingredients

For one cocktail, you’ll need:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 5–6 fresh raspberries
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ ounce simple syrup
• 2–3 ounces chilled club soda
• Ice
• Fresh raspberries for garnish
• Lemon wheel, wedge, or twist for garnish

Optional Additions

Depending on the direction you want to take the cocktail, you can also experiment with:

• Fresh mint
• Fresh basil
• Honey syrup
• Raspberry syrup
• Ginger beer
• Lemon-lime soda
• A thin jalapeño slice
• Fresh blackberries
• Fresh strawberries

You don’t need any of these extras to make a delicious Raspberry Bourbon Collins, but they’re useful when you want to experiment.

How to Make a Raspberry Bourbon Collins

Step 1: Add the Raspberries

Place approximately five or six fresh raspberries in the bottom of your cocktail shaker.

Choose berries that are ripe, fragrant, and brightly colored.

Step 2: Add Simple Syrup

Pour approximately ¾ ounce of simple syrup over the raspberries.

The syrup adds sweetness while also helping you muddle the fruit.

Step 3: Gently Muddle

Use a cocktail muddler to gently press the raspberries until they’ve released their juices.

You don’t need to aggressively mash them.

Raspberries are delicate, so a few gentle presses should be enough.

Step 4: Add Fresh Lemon Juice

Pour in one ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Fresh juice makes a noticeable difference here.

Bottled lemon juice can sometimes taste sharper or more processed, while freshly squeezed lemon provides the bright citrus character that helps define a Collins.

Step 5: Add the Bourbon

Pour in two ounces of your favorite bourbon.

The bourbon should remain noticeable in the finished cocktail, so choose one you enjoy.

Step 6: Add Ice and Shake

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for approximately 10–15 seconds.

Shaking chills the ingredients while helping the raspberry, lemon, syrup, and bourbon combine.

Step 7: Prepare Your Glass

Fill a Collins or highball glass with fresh ice.

Using fresh ice rather than the shaker ice helps keep the cocktail cold without introducing unnecessary dilution.

Step 8: Strain the Cocktail

Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.

If you don’t mind a little raspberry pulp and a few seeds, a normal cocktail strainer is fine.

For a smoother cocktail, double-strain it through a fine-mesh strainer.

Step 9: Add Club Soda

Top the cocktail with approximately two to three ounces of chilled club soda.

Pour slowly so you maintain as much carbonation as possible.

Give the cocktail one gentle stir.

Step 10: Garnish

Finish with fresh raspberries and a lemon wheel, wedge, or twist.

Serve immediately.

What Does a Raspberry Bourbon Collins Taste Like?

One of the best things about this cocktail is the number of flavors working together.

The first sip is refreshing and fruit-forward.

Fresh raspberry provides a combination of sweetness and tartness. Lemon adds another layer of acidity and makes the entire drink taste brighter.

Simple syrup softens those tart flavors without overpowering them.

Then the bourbon begins to show through.

Its vanilla, oak, caramel, spice, and sometimes fruity characteristics provide a deeper flavor underneath the fresh berries.

Club soda brings everything together by adding carbonation and dilution.

The finished drink should be:

Fruity.

Tart.

Slightly sweet.

Bubbly.

Refreshing.

Bourbon-forward without being overly heavy.

That’s what makes the Raspberry Bourbon Collins so enjoyable. No single ingredient needs to dominate.

It’s about balance.

Why Raspberry and Bourbon Make Such a Good Combination

Raspberries and bourbon may sound like an unusual pairing until you consider the flavors involved.

Raspberries provide bright acidity and fresh fruitiness.

Bourbon often offers deeper flavors such as caramel, vanilla, oak, brown sugar, spice, and sometimes cherry or dried fruit.

When combined, the berries brighten the bourbon while the bourbon gives the raspberries additional depth.

The result is much more interesting than simply adding fruit flavor to whiskey.

Fresh lemon juice is another important part of the equation.

Without enough acidity, bourbon, raspberry, and simple syrup could create a cocktail that tastes too sweet or heavy.

Lemon prevents that.

Then club soda adds another important element: lightness.

Together, these ingredients transform bourbon into a tall, refreshing drink that can be enjoyed slowly over ice.

Choosing the Right Bourbon

You don’t need to use your rarest or most expensive bottle for this recipe.

In fact, a reliable everyday bourbon is often ideal.

Look for something with enough flavor to remain noticeable once lemon, raspberry, syrup, ice, and club soda are added.

Bourbons with noticeable vanilla, caramel, fruit, or baking-spice characteristics can work especially well.

Higher-proof bourbon can also be useful if you prefer a stronger whiskey presence.

If you’re new to bourbon cocktails, begin with a bourbon you already know you enjoy.

You can experiment with different bottles later.

One of the enjoyable things about cocktail making is discovering how changing a single ingredient can change the entire drink.

Fresh Raspberries vs. Frozen Raspberries

Fresh raspberries are usually the best option when they’re available.

They’re easy to muddle and provide a beautiful garnish.

But frozen raspberries can work too.

Allow frozen berries to thaw slightly before muddling them. Because thawed berries release plenty of liquid, you may discover that you need less muddling than you would with fresh fruit.

Frozen berries can be especially convenient when raspberries aren’t in season.

For garnish, however, fresh berries will usually give you a better presentation.

Don’t Forget the Fresh Lemon Juice

The lemon might seem like a supporting ingredient, but it’s essential to the cocktail.

Fresh lemon provides acidity that balances both the sweetness of the raspberries and the richness of the bourbon.

Without enough citrus, the drink can taste flat.

Whenever possible, squeeze your lemon shortly before making the cocktail.

A medium lemon will often provide enough juice for one or two drinks, depending on its size and juiciness.

How to Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is one of the easiest cocktail ingredients to prepare at home.

Combine equal parts sugar and water.

For example:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves.

There’s no need to aggressively boil the mixture.

Once the sugar has dissolved, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate.

Having homemade simple syrup ready makes preparing cocktails like the Raspberry Bourbon Collins much easier.

Make Raspberry Simple Syrup

Want to increase the raspberry flavor?

Make raspberry simple syrup.

Combine:

• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Gently heat the ingredients while stirring.

As the berries soften, lightly crush them to release their juice.

Once the sugar dissolves and the mixture has taken on plenty of raspberry flavor, remove it from the heat.

Allow it to cool before straining.

Using raspberry syrup instead of regular simple syrup gives the cocktail even more berry character.

You can still muddle fresh raspberries into the drink or simply use them as garnish.

Adjusting the Sweetness

Cocktail recipes are starting points.

Raspberries naturally vary in sweetness depending on ripeness and season.

If your berries are extremely sweet, you might prefer only ½ ounce of simple syrup.

If they’re tart, the full ¾ ounce may work better.

For someone who enjoys sweeter cocktails, you could increase the syrup slightly.

The important thing is maintaining balance between the bourbon, lemon, fruit, and sugar.

Double-Strain for a Smoother Cocktail

Raspberry seeds are tiny.

Muddling fresh raspberries means some seeds and pulp will inevitably enter the shaker.

Some people enjoy the rustic appearance.

Others prefer a crystal-clear cocktail.

If you fall into the second group, use both your cocktail strainer and a small fine-mesh strainer when pouring the drink into the glass.

The extra step removes much of the fruit pulp and seeds.

Don’t Overlook the Club Soda

Club soda might appear to be the least interesting ingredient, but it’s responsible for the cocktail’s refreshing personality.

Use club soda that’s cold and freshly opened.

Flat soda can make the cocktail feel lifeless.

Add it after shaking rather than placing it inside the shaker.

Never shake carbonated ingredients in a sealed cocktail shaker.

Top the cocktail with club soda after you’ve strained everything else into the glass.

Raspberry Bourbon Collins Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can create plenty of variations.

Raspberry Mint Bourbon Collins

Add several fresh mint leaves while muddling the raspberries.

Be gentle with the mint.

You want to release its aroma rather than pulverize the leaves.

The combination of raspberry, lemon, bourbon, and mint creates an especially refreshing summer drink.

Raspberry Basil Bourbon Collins

Replace the mint with fresh basil.

Basil adds an herbal character that contrasts nicely with the sweet raspberries.

Raspberry Ginger Bourbon Collins

Replace the club soda with ginger beer.

The ginger adds spice and sweetness, creating a bolder cocktail.

Because ginger beer is generally sweeter than club soda, consider reducing the simple syrup.

Raspberry Honey Bourbon Collins

Replace simple syrup with honey syrup.

Honey’s richer sweetness complements bourbon beautifully.

Spicy Raspberry Bourbon Collins

Add one thin jalapeño slice while muddling your raspberries.

Start small.

A little heat goes a long way.

The result is a cocktail that moves from fruity and sweet to spicy and warming.

Blackberry Bourbon Collins

Replace raspberries with blackberries.

Blackberries provide a darker berry flavor that pairs naturally with bourbon.

Strawberry Bourbon Collins

Use sliced fresh strawberries.

The drink will usually be slightly sweeter and less tart than the raspberry version.

Mixed Berry Bourbon Collins

Can’t decide on one berry?

Use a combination of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries.

It’s an excellent option when you have several varieties of fresh berries available.

Turn It Into a Party Cocktail

The Raspberry Bourbon Collins is easy enough to make individually, but you can also prepare the noncarbonated portion ahead of time for a gathering.

For approximately eight cocktails, combine:

• 16 ounces bourbon
• 8 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 6 ounces simple syrup
• Approximately 40–48 raspberries

Muddle the berries, mix the ingredients, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

When guests arrive, pour the mixture into individual ice-filled glasses and top each serving with chilled club soda.

Add the carbonation immediately before serving.

If you add club soda hours ahead of time, it will lose its fizz.

Garnish Ideas

Presentation doesn’t change the actual recipe, but it can transform the experience.

Try garnishing your Raspberry Bourbon Collins with:

• Three raspberries on a cocktail pick
• Lemon wheel
• Lemon twist
• Fresh mint sprig
• Fresh basil
• Raspberry and blackberry combination
• Thin lemon slice inside the glass
• Frozen raspberries

Frozen raspberries can even help keep the drink cold while adding visual appeal.

When to Serve a Raspberry Bourbon Collins

This is a versatile cocktail.

It works especially well for:

• Backyard barbecues
• Summer cookouts
• Birthday celebrations
• Patio evenings
• Poolside gatherings
• Happy hour
• Dinner parties
• Weekend entertaining
• Holiday gatherings
• Game nights
• Date nights at home

Because bourbon is usually associated with richer cocktails, the Raspberry Bourbon Collins is also a fun way to introduce whiskey to someone who normally prefers lighter or fruitier drinks.

What Food Goes With a Raspberry Bourbon Collins?

A good cocktail can become even better with the right food.

The acidity and carbonation of the Raspberry Bourbon Collins make it surprisingly food-friendly.

Barbecue

Try it with:

• BBQ chicken
• Pulled pork
• Smoked ribs
• BBQ burgers
• Grilled sausages

Raspberry’s sweetness can complement smoky barbecue flavors while lemon and carbonation help refresh your palate.

Grilled Foods

Pair it with:

• Grilled chicken
• Pork tenderloin
• Steak
• Grilled vegetables
• Chicken skewers

The bourbon’s deeper character works particularly well with smoky flavors from the grill.

Spicy Foods

Try the cocktail alongside:

• Buffalo wings
• Spicy chicken sandwiches
• Jalapeño poppers
• Spicy tacos

The berry sweetness can provide a pleasant contrast to heat.

Cheese and Charcuterie

Serve your Raspberry Bourbon Collins alongside a board filled with cheeses, crackers, cured meats, nuts, and fruit.

The cocktail’s combination of acidity, sweetness, and bourbon gives you plenty of pairing possibilities.

Don’t Forget Dessert

Raspberry and chocolate are classic partners.

Try this cocktail with:

• Chocolate cake
• Brownies
• Chocolate cheesecake
• Dark chocolate
• Vanilla cheesecake
• Lemon cake
• Raspberry tart
• Vanilla ice cream

Chocolate highlights the richer side of the bourbon while raspberry keeps the pairing fruity and bright.

A Cocktail That Looks as Good as It Tastes

One reason the Raspberry Bourbon Collins works well for entertaining is its appearance.

Muddled raspberries naturally give the drink a gorgeous reddish-pink hue.

Add plenty of clear ice, a few fresh berries, and a bright yellow lemon wheel, and you’ve created a cocktail that’s instantly inviting.

You don’t need complicated garnishes or professional bartending equipment.

Sometimes simple ingredients make the best-looking drinks.

Tips for Making the Best Raspberry Bourbon Collins

A few small details can noticeably improve your cocktail.

Use fresh lemon juice. Fresh citrus provides much better flavor.

Use ripe raspberries. Better fruit means better raspberry flavor.

Don’t over-muddle. Gentle pressure is enough.

Use plenty of ice. A Collins should be served cold.

Use fresh ice in the serving glass. Don’t dump shaker ice into your glass.

Keep your club soda cold. Cold carbonation makes the cocktail more refreshing.

Add club soda last. This preserves the bubbles.

Taste and adjust. Your berries may be sweeter or more tart than the ones used to develop the recipe.

Garnish immediately before serving. Fresh fruit looks best when the drink reaches the table.

Make It Your Own

Perhaps the best thing about the Raspberry Bourbon Collins is how easy it is to customize.

Want more bourbon flavor?

Add a little more bourbon or use a higher-proof bottle.

Want it more tart?

Increase the lemon slightly.

Want it sweeter?

Add additional simple syrup.

Want more raspberry?

Use raspberry syrup alongside the fresh berries.

Want something more herbal?

Add mint or basil.

Want some spice?

Try ginger beer or jalapeño.

That’s the fun of making cocktails at home.

The recipe gives you the foundation.

You decide where to take it.

Why This Drink Deserves a Spot on Your Cocktail List

There are countless ways to enjoy bourbon.

You can drink it neat, on the rocks, or in classics like an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, or Mint Julep.

But bourbon is also incredibly versatile.

The Raspberry Bourbon Collins demonstrates what happens when the deeper flavors of American whiskey meet fresh fruit, citrus, and carbonation.

It’s not overly complicated.

It doesn’t require obscure ingredients.

And you don’t need professional bartending skills.

If you can muddle raspberries, squeeze a lemon, shake a cocktail, and pour club soda, you can make this drink.

Drink of the Day: Raspberry Bourbon Collins

The Raspberry Bourbon Collins brings together two different sides of cocktail making.

On one side, you have bourbon—warm, rich, oaky, and full of character.

On the other, you have fresh raspberries, bright lemon, and crisp carbonation.

Put them together, and you get a drink that’s simultaneously bold and refreshing.

Every sip offers something different: sweet berry, tart citrus, smooth bourbon, subtle sweetness, and sparkling club soda.

It’s an excellent choice for a sunny afternoon, a backyard barbecue, an evening with friends, or simply a relaxing drink at home.

So grab some fresh raspberries, squeeze a lemon, reach for your favorite bourbon, and fill a tall glass with ice.

Today’s Drink of the Day: Raspberry Bourbon Collins might just become one of your new favorite ways to enjoy bourbon.

Cheers, and please enjoy responsibly.

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