Bright, juicy raspberries meet crisp rosé and cool mint in this playful take on a mojito. It’s light, bubbly, and perfect for warm afternoons or an easy weekend drink with friends. You get the tart pop of berries, the lift of lime, and the refreshing hit of mint—all smoothed out with a gentle sparkle.
Think of it as a mojito that dressed up for a garden party. It’s simple to make, easy to sip, and pretty enough to impress without trying too hard.
What Makes This Special
This cocktail keeps the heart of a mojito—mint, lime, and a touch of sweetness—then swaps soda water for chilled sparkling rosé. That one change adds a delicate berry aroma and a crisp, dry finish.
Fresh raspberries do double duty: they add color and natural sweetness, and they muddle into a gorgeous, sunset-pink base.
It’s also a great make-ahead crowd-pleaser. You can prep the lime-mint-raspberry mixture in a pitcher, then top with rosé right before serving. The result is balanced, bright, and not overly boozy, which makes it perfect for brunches, picnics, and happy hours that stretch into the evening.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh raspberries (a small handful per drink; about 6–8 berries)
- Mint leaves (8–10 leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Lime (1 lime per drink: juice + a few wheels for garnish)
- Simple syrup (1/2–1 ounce, to taste) or white cane sugar
- White rum (1.5 ounces; optional if making a low-ABV version)
- Sparkling rosé, well chilled (3–4 ounces per drink)
- Ice (crushed or cubed; crushed chills faster and dilutes pleasingly)
- Salt or sugar for the rim (optional)
How to Make It
- Chill your glass and rosé. Pop a highball or stemless wine glass in the fridge or fill it with ice water for a few minutes.
Keep the rosé cold for maximum bubbles and freshness.
- Muddle the mint and raspberries. In the bottom of your glass, add mint leaves, raspberries, and simple syrup (start with 1/2 ounce). Gently muddle to release juice and mint oils—don’t pound it into a paste.
- Add lime juice. Squeeze in the juice of one lime (about 1 ounce). Give it a quick stir to mix with the muddled fruit and syrup.
- Pour in the rum. Add 1.5 ounces of white rum if you’re using it.
Stir briefly to combine.
- Ice it up. Fill the glass with ice—crushed if you have it. You want the glass packed so the drink stays cold and balanced.
- Top with sparkling rosé. Slowly pour 3–4 ounces over the ice. Go gentle to keep the bubbles lively.
- Finish and garnish. Give a light stir from the bottom to lift the muddled fruit.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel. Taste and add a splash more syrup if you want it sweeter.
Storage Instructions
The best mojitos are mixed fresh. If you want to get ahead, make a base by muddling raspberries, mint, lime juice, and simple syrup in a sealed jar.
Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Strain if you don’t want pulp, or leave it as is for extra flavor.
Don’t add the rosé until serving; bubbles fade quickly. If making a pitcher, keep the base chilled and pour in the sparkling rosé and ice right before guests arrive.
Leftover mixed drinks won’t hold their fizz and the mint darkens, so plan to enjoy it the day of.
Health Benefits
- Raspberries bring antioxidants and fiber. They add bright flavor with relatively few calories.
- Mint can be soothing for digestion and adds a naturally refreshing aroma.
- Lime juice offers vitamin C and tartness that lets you use less sugar.
- Sparkling rosé is lighter than many cocktail mixers, helping keep the drink crisp and not overly sweet.
It’s still a cocktail, so moderation matters, but this version leans lighter and fresher than heavy, sugary mixes.
What Not to Do
- Don’t pulverize the mint. Over-muddling releases bitterness. Press gently to bruise and release oils.
- Don’t skip chilling. Warm rosé loses bubbles fast and tastes flat.
Keep everything cold.
- Don’t dump in too much sugar. Start with less and adjust. The rosé and raspberries already add subtle sweetness.
- Don’t add rosé too early. If you’re batching, wait until serving time to keep the fizz alive.
- Don’t use old mint or soggy berries. Fresh herbs and ripe fruit make a big difference in aroma and color.
Alternatives
- Low-ABV or no-rum: Skip the rum for a lighter cocktail. It still tastes fragrant and bright thanks to the rosé and mint.
- Zero-proof: Use nonalcoholic rum or omit alcohol entirely.
Top with sparkling nonalcoholic rosé or a mix of soda water and a splash of raspberry juice.
- Herb swap: Try basil or lemon balm in place of mint for a softer, garden-fresh twist.
- Berry swap: Strawberries or blackberries work well. Adjust syrup since some berries are sweeter or more tart.
- Rosé swap: A dry Prosecco rosé or brut sparkling wine keeps it crisp. If using a sweeter sparkling rosé, reduce the simple syrup.
- Sweetener options: Use agave syrup, honey syrup (1:1 honey and water), or a raspberry simple syrup for extra depth.
FAQ
Can I use still rosé instead of sparkling?
Yes, but you’ll lose the bubbly lift.
If using still rosé, add a splash of soda water for texture, or keep it as a smoother, wine-forward mojito variation.
What’s the best rum for this?
A clean, light white rum works best. It blends smoothly with mint and raspberries without overpowering the rosé. Avoid heavy-aged rums that can clash with the bright flavors.
How do I make simple syrup?
Combine equal parts sugar and hot water, stir until dissolved, and cool.
Keep it in the fridge for up to a month. For more flavor, simmer with lemon peel or a handful of raspberries, then strain.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Scale the muddled base (mint, raspberries, lime, syrup, rum) into a pitcher.
Chill well, then add sparkling rosé and ice just before serving. Give a gentle stir and garnish glasses individually.
How do I keep the mint looking fresh?
Slap the mint sprigs gently between your hands to release aroma and stand them in cold water for a few minutes. Add them at the very end to keep the leaves bright and perky.
What glass should I use?
A highball glass is classic, but a stemless wine glass feels natural with rosé.
Either way, make sure it’s chilled and packed with ice for the best texture and balance.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Rosé Mojito is unfussy, refreshing, and a little bit special. Fresh berries and mint do most of the work, while chilled sparkling rosé ties everything together. Keep it cold, don’t over-sweeten, and let the ingredients shine.
It’s the kind of drink that makes an ordinary afternoon feel like a small celebration.
