Raspberry Smash

July 28, 2010

I’m not usually a fruity drink person–when hubs and I go on vacation and everyone else is sipping daiquiris or coladas by the pool, I’m the girl with a gin and tonic or a beer with salt and lime.  Maybe it’s the whole sweet-averse thing, I don’t know. Once in a while I’ll have a frozen margarita, and it will taste good, but after that, I’m usually done for a while.

The original picture of this drink was so gorgeous, though, that I had to try it. Like, immediately.  I give props to the photographers at Bon Appetit; if they can force Salty Snack Queen out of the house,  impatiently searching for sweet ingredients, those are  some sexy pictures.

I decreased the amount of sugar called for in the recipe because my raspberries were really ripe, so they were almost sugary enough on their own. Taste yours to begin with, and adjust accordingly. You can always add more sugar, but you can’t take it out.  And you want a refreshing drink, not a cavity, right?

The color of this drink is a stunner. If you don’t like chunks of fruit in your drink, feel free to strain it through a sieve or a cocktail shaker. I might do that next time, actually. I’m not a big fan of seeds in my teeth.

However, if you leave the seeds in, you can tell yourself that you are getting your daily dose of fiber and belly up to the bar with a clear conscience, eh? Decisions, decisions.

Either way, give this pretty baby a try on a hot summer day.  Kick up your feet and drink in these last weeks of summer, because you know what’s lurking around the corner…

Raspberry Smash

from Bon Appetit

serves 2

2 lime wedges

sugar (for dipping)

1/2 cup fresh raspberries

6 tablespoons vodka

4 teaspoons sugar

1 1/2 cup ice cubes

1/4 cup chilled champagne

Run lime wedge around rims of 2 old-fashioned glasses. Dip rims in sugar.

Place both lime wedges, raspberries, vodka, and 4 teaspoons sugar in a cocktail shaker; using muddler or wooden spoon handle, smash fruit mixture. Add ice; shake 10 seconds.  Divide between glasses (do not strain), top with champagne, and serve.

***!!! I’m guest posting over at Justine’s place this Wednesday, and I’d love it if you’d come on over and join in the fun! If you haven’t checked out Justine and her blog, Here Where I Have Landed, you’re missing out on a good thing! Come say hello!

{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }

Wendi @ Bon Appetit Hon July 28, 2010 at 5:20 am

If I had one of these right now, everything would be right with the world.

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Shelley July 28, 2010 at 5:23 am

This counts as a serving of friut, right?

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Futureblackmail July 28, 2010 at 5:38 am

I really like how you set up your picture on this. Very nice.

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Heather July 28, 2010 at 5:52 am

Your pic looks incredibly appetizing! And Vodka?? What could be better! As far as that corner goes…… Well, I’ve been trying to avoid it – thanks for the reminder that it’s still there…. lurking…..

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Phoo-d July 28, 2010 at 5:53 am

What a beautiful shot and drink! I love the thought of raspberries, vodka and champagne. I’m going to save this for next summer!

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Bryan July 28, 2010 at 5:56 am

Looks really good TKW, I’m not much for the sweet drinks either, buts sometimes you just need one for an afternoon relaxing in the sun.

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Lyndsey July 28, 2010 at 6:10 am

I am the same way about sweet drinks. They look pretty, but I don’t usually drink them, and if I did like those frozen drinks that come out of those machines at Sharky’s on the deck with the steel drums playing island music…I’ll only have one. Hey a gin and tonic is so refreshing! :) I like my Margaritas on the rocks with salt! :)

Okay enough! I do like raspberries I would definitely cut back on the sugar too. I like how you rationalize leaving the seed in it! It does look tempting…even to a gin and tonic drinker! Thanks!!! :d

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Sherri July 28, 2010 at 6:14 am

Same here – not a fruity drink girl, usually. I, like you, am the one poolside with beer and lime. Every now and then, I WILL do the margarita or something too…. I mean… who wouldn’t? BUT – will try this … on your recommendation … since we are, apparently – sisters in anti-sweet drinks :-). Did that come out right? Anyway….. wish I would have had this recipe last week – was 100 degrees here!

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rebecca @ altared spaces July 28, 2010 at 6:31 am

I love raspberries!!! So anything that gets more of those into my mouth is fine by me. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Here’s why raspberries offer me a smile or two: http://altaredspaces.com/altared-spaces/raspberries-leave-me-lusting-for-the-juice-in-life

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Jennifer July 28, 2010 at 6:35 am

That looks positively yummy. But I would totally have to strain it because I don’t like drinking something and having something chunky fall in my mouth. (GAG) I can’t even drink orange juice with pulp.

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WackyMummy July 28, 2010 at 7:30 am

Now this is a recipe I can get behind. A little floss and those seeds are nothing to worry about. So when am I coming over to have some of this treat???

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Justine July 28, 2010 at 7:33 am

For my first 12 years here, I couldn’t understand the appeal of raspberries. Didn’t like the fruit, or anything with its flavor. Then one day I discovered what it really tastes like when it’s ripe and in season, and since then, I’ve been in love. I couldn’t believe it took me that long. So looking at this drink, and thinking about the various delicious raspberry-flavored cocktails I’ve had in recent years, I just know I’m going to love it. But you’re right – seeds in teeth, not so fun. I’ll strain it.

So glad to have you hanging out at my place. On this ridiculously hot and humid day, I can’t think of anything better than Pina Colada ice cream. Except maybe eating it while I’m lounging in the pool, instead of working in the office. Blech.

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Calm In the Kitchen July 28, 2010 at 8:42 am

I totally understand how seeing a picture can move one to trying something different! I am not a huge raspberry fan, but I’m definitely going to whip this up for some friends this weekend. Thank you for the inspiration!

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GEW July 28, 2010 at 11:33 am

This looks SO great, but I have an aversion to vodka (from the college days, dontcha know), so I’m not sure . . . Do you think it would be good with gin? I get along with gin just fine. Very well, in fact!

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Annie July 28, 2010 at 11:34 am

How funny that you posted this today! When I was choosing a drink for entertaining recently, I emailed my friend several choices including this. She said either the raspberry smash or the peach wine coolers sounded good. And the very day I post the wine coolers, you post this. HAHA! I guess I know which cocktail I’ll be trying next!

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Lea Ann July 28, 2010 at 12:01 pm

I’m the same way. It would be odd to find a sweet fruity drink in my hand. I like my red wines dry and my mixed drinks in the form of a martini. Now, with all that said, this looks so pretty and sounds so refreshing! ;-)

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theUngourmet July 28, 2010 at 1:00 pm

I’m not a fruity drink girl either but I know I’d love this one! You’re right, the color is amazing! I’ve got to pick up some raspberries…and of course, some vodka and champagne. Geez, I’d better get off my butt and go shopping! ;D

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Contemporary Troubadour July 28, 2010 at 2:40 pm

Mmm, that limed-up rim is what has me interested. D will love this too — he’s a raspberry addict, even with his sugar problems.

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Emily July 28, 2010 at 3:32 pm

This looks soooo refreshing right now in this unbearable Midwest heat I have been enduring the last few weeks! Mmmm… sigh.

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grace July 28, 2010 at 3:40 pm

i’m not crazy keen on fruity drinks either, but the alcohol is always a nice way to tone down that aspect of such a beverage. :) this one’s purdy–well done!

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Naptimewriting July 28, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Decisions, nothing. Strain it, and use the fruit bits on ice cream. You get drink sans chunks, and an excuse to booze up your dessert. Win/win, baby.

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Jen July 28, 2010 at 5:41 pm

I’m not a fan of seeds in my teeth either but I love a fruity drink. Since I have finished nursing I have had a total of three drinks, all the same drink, all that I had to stop half way through because I was getting smashed…..I’m classy that way.

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Jana @ An Attitude Adjustment July 28, 2010 at 6:00 pm

Did I mention how happy I am that you’re doing this series on drinks? Summer drinks? Because I believe they are something I can make.

Just so you know–watermelon martinis in our house? Didn’t turn out so well. So you might not want to waste your time trying that one. (Though I could just blame my husband for not adding enough sugar, or something. A woman needs her sugar, if not in her dessert, then in the drink that becomes her dessert.)

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Kelly July 28, 2010 at 9:32 pm

Give me a gin & tonic (splash of oj) any day of the week. I do enjoy a fruity drink, but it usually just makes me thirsty.

That picture is divine!

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jc July 28, 2010 at 10:04 pm

I want a cavity. I need another hole in my head. POUR SOME SUGAR ON IT and pass it down!

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Chiara July 28, 2010 at 11:13 pm

You and I should go out drinking together, we seem to like exactly the same stuff!!!

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camilla July 29, 2010 at 1:16 am

Bring on summer!
I’m a G&T girl as well but that pic really has me interested; nice work TKW.

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Christine LaRocque July 29, 2010 at 4:10 am

Raspberries, my favourite fruit every. Raspberries and alcohol? Well that just might send me over the edge.

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Barbara July 29, 2010 at 5:51 am

I agree…I don’t usually go for the sweet drinks either. The one exception being a pina colada.
BUT…this is looking pretty darn good to me, even at 9 in the morning. Hmmmm. I hope that’s not a bad sign!

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Bonnie July 29, 2010 at 6:32 am

This is the second healthy alcoholic drink I’ve seen this morning. In the immortal words of Ina Garten: “How bad can that be?” Cheers!

Best,
Bonnie

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Eva @ Eva Evolving July 29, 2010 at 8:22 am

Anything called “Smash” sounds good to me!

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velva July 29, 2010 at 1:04 pm

Girlfriend, you and I rock on the same cocktail plane.

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Mama Zen July 29, 2010 at 1:46 pm

Whoa! That is pretty!

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bellini valli July 29, 2010 at 3:21 pm

I ned to shimmy up to the bar and have one of these…better chill the Champagne that has worked it’s way to the back of the cupboard.

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Foodiewife July 30, 2010 at 4:36 pm

Cripes. I’m pretty much AWOL from blogging and visiting blogs. In the meantime, you’ve got this stunning new blog design. On top of it, here’s a cocktail that makes me wish I’d picked up raspberries today. I’m all about TGIF cocktails. I can almost taste it. Your new blog really is nicely done. You’re right up there with Phoo-D’s quality. I’m envious. Not. Just delighted for you.

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Belinda Munoz + The Halfway Point July 31, 2010 at 12:32 am

Refreshing, and who can argue that it ain’t healthy!

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Stephane August 1, 2010 at 12:17 am

Qu’est-ce que c’est “sweet averse”? This doesn’t seem to mesh with the whole pina colada ice cream thing you got going on over at Justine’s. . . Just sayin’. ; )

I love raspberries and lucky for me, they’re just getting ready to get ripe here in gloomy ol’ Anchorage, AK. Yea!

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girlichef August 1, 2010 at 6:53 am

Oooo! Oooo! I want to get smashed ;) Seriously, this is an awesome late summer drink…although, I’m usually a beer girl in those situations, myself. That said…I’m not picky…

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Kate August 1, 2010 at 5:38 pm

I just stumbled across your blog. I love it! I’m going to poke around, I promise to put everything back where I found it!

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Stacia August 1, 2010 at 9:25 pm

I might just leave out the raspberries (and those icky seeds) and have vodka and sugar, straight up. Vodka’s got fiber, too … right??

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Shaina (Food for My Family) August 2, 2010 at 10:53 am

You said gin and tonic. I instantly loved you a little bit more. I’m usually not a fruity drink person either, but I think I could do raspberry.

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Average Girl August 2, 2010 at 11:53 am

I’m a TOTAL fruity drink person…I’m so happy right now just looking at the picture…yum, yum, yum!

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Jane August 3, 2010 at 6:09 pm

I’m totally a fruity drink girl and this recipe looks like it rocks! I’m bookmarking it now! (and apologizing that I can’t even read your next post – I still can’t eat/talk about/read about/see the “s” word since I was pregnant with my youngest)

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Maria August 6, 2010 at 5:47 am

You had me at vodka…and champagne to boot! Goodness all around, especially if I can count the raspberries as a fruit serving ;)

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Dana August 6, 2010 at 9:08 am

All I can say is YUM!

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