Rosemary Blueberry Vodka Spritzers
This fresh blueberry cocktail is made with plump, sweet blueberries, fragrant rosemary and a little vodka to create a refreshing cocktail that's perfect for picnics, BBQs, and summer gatherings. They're light, colorful and easy to batch for parties or special occasions!
A great light and flavorful drink for summer sipping, this easy blueberry cocktail is ideal to make ahead and serve in a big batch for bridal showers, brunches, or casual get-togethers.
The combination of fresh ingredients, like vibrant blueberries and lemon, gives this drink a beautiful color and the perfect balance of tart and herbal notes. You can mix it up with your favorite fruits, herbs, or spirits, making it one of the most versatile cocktail recipes for warm weather.
Want more fresh blueberry recipes? Try this lemony kale blueberry salad, my fluffy blueberry oatmeal pancakes, or this rich lemon blueberry pound cake.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to adapt with different herbs like basil, mint, or thyme.
- Works with both fresh and frozen blueberries, so it's great year-round.
- Comes together quickly with just a cocktail shaker and simple ingredients.
- Can be scaled up for parties and batched ahead for stress-free hosting.
Ingredient Notes
Blueberries - You can use either fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries for this drink. Frozen berries are great when fresh ones aren't in season, and they still deliver excellent blueberry flavor.
Rosemary - This adds a piney, aromatic note that balances the sweet-tart flavors. Don't like rosemary? Try thyme, basil, tarragon or fresh mint leaves instead.
Vodka - Use your favorite vodka here. This also works with gin, white rum, or tequila if you prefer.
Simple Syrup - A classic sugar syrup that blends into cold drinks without needing to dissolve. You can make your own easily (see tip below).
Lemon Juice - Use fresh lemon juice (or fresh lime juice) for the best tart flavor. Bottled juice doesn't have the same brightness.
Club Soda - Adds bubbles and lightness. You can also use soda water, citrus soda, or even ginger beer for a twist.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Helpful Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Small saucepan (for simple syrup)
- Mason jar (for storing syrup)
- Potato masher (for large batches)
- Chilled glass or rocks glass
- Small plate (for optional sugar rim)
Step by Step Instructions
- Muddle blueberries and rosemary in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Add vodka, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a handful of ice, then shake vigorously for about 1 minute.
- Add fresh ice to two cocktail glasses. Strain the mixture over ice using a fine mesh strainer.
- Top each drink with club soda and gently stir.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few fresh berries, edible flowers, or a lemon or lime wedge for an elegant touch.
- Serve immediately.
How to Make a Big Batch
To serve a crowd (8 drinks), use the following proportions:
- 2 cups blueberries
- 12 sprigs rosemary
- 2 cups vodka
- ⅓ cup simple syrup
- Juice from 4 fresh lemons
- 2-3 cups club soda or soda water
- Fresh ice and garnishes
Instructions:
Muddle the blueberries and rosemary in a large pitcher or bowl using a potato masher. Stir in vodka, syrup, and juice. Cover and chill. Before serving, stir in club soda and pour into ice-filled glasses. Garnish as desired.
Pro Tip: Always add club soda to each individual glass right before serving, otherwise it will lose its fizz and water down the drink.
Tips for Success
- Muddle the blueberries and rosemary thoroughly to extract the most flavor. This is the best way to infuse the drink with fresh herbs and fruit.
- Always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice for the cleanest, brightest taste.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for a crisper sip. A martini glass also works if you prefer a fancier look.
- If using frozen berries, let them thaw slightly before muddling.
- Double straining through a fine mesh sieve helps remove excess pulp for a smoother finish.
Variations
- Swap rosemary for thyme, lavender or chamomile.
- Try strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of blueberries for another twist.
- Use gin, white rum, or tequila in place of vodka.
- Add a splash of elderflower liqueur or triple sec for extra complexity.
- For a non-alcoholic blueberry mocktail, skip the vodka and use more blueberry juice or soda.
- Use agave syrup or blueberry honey syrup instead of simple syrup for more depth.
Serving Suggestions
This summer cocktail is perfect for a light summer dinner. Serve it with a summery dish like this easy zucchini spaghetti or alongside crisp Maryland crab cakes for a fresh seafood pairing. It's also lovely next to these classic Maine lobster rolls or a bowl of juicy peel-and-eat shrimp.
The tart flavors and bubbly texture make this an ideal sip on a hot summer day!
Make Ahead and Storage
To prep this easy recipe ahead, first muddle the berries and rosemary, then combine with vodka, simple syrup, and citrus juice in a large pitcher.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Just before serving, shake or stir, then top with club soda and pour over fresh ice.
Do not add club soda in advance, or you'll lose the fizz.
FAQs
Absolutely. This great cocktail works with gin, tequila, or white rum depending on your flavor preferences.
Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your personal preference. You can also swap in sour mix or blueberry liqueur for more punch.
Yes, if you're not a fan of rosemary, use mint, basil, or thyme instead. The herb is flexible and based on taste.
It helps blend everything and chill the drink quickly, but you can use a mason jar with a tight lid in a pinch.
Muddling is key to extracting blueberry juice and rosemary oils, but in a large batch you can simmer the fruit and herb gently over medium heat to make a quick blueberry smash or blueberry syrup instead.
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Fresh Blueberry Cocktail with Vodka
Ingredients
- ½ cup blueberries fresh or frozen (if frozen, defrost first), plus more for garnish
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 ounces vodka
- 4 teaspoons simple syrup
- 1 lemon juiced
- ice
- club soda
Instructions
- Muddle blueberries and 2 sprigs rosemary in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Add vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice and ice, then shake vigorously for about 1 minute.
- Add ice to two cocktail glasses. Strain mixture over ice, then top with club soda.
- Garnish with remaining rosemary sprigs and a few blueberries.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Muddle the blueberries and rosemary thoroughly to extract the most flavor. This is the best way to infuse the drink with fresh herbs and fruit.
- Always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice for the cleanest, brightest taste.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for a crisper sip. A martini glass also works if you prefer a fancier look.
- If using frozen berries, let them thaw slightly before muddling.
- Double straining through a fine mesh sieve helps remove excess pulp for a smoother finish.
Nutrition
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Cheers to Soulberri!
p.s. Saw you cooking up a storm in Paul Greenberg's documentary on PBS the other night. 🙂