Sugar-Rimmed Raspberry Gin Smash

I’m going to a pool party next weekend and have been put in charge of libations. So when the question is What is cool + light + refreshing + fruity? the answer is Sugar-Rimmed Raspberry Gin Smash. 

But what is a smash? A bartender* once explained a smash as a julep but with a choose-your-own-adventure spirit. You add booze (of choice) + herb (of choice) + sweetener (of choice) + seasonal fruit (of choice)—whatever blows your skirt up—to a glass of ice. Give it some swirls and bottoms up!  Or use a straw if you are sassy. 

Summer raspberries are bulging with juice, so turning them into a smash makes all the sense. And as raspberries are naturally a little tart, some Raspberry Sugar around your rim will offset their acid. If you don’t have Raspberry Sugar, an additional teaspoon of powdered sugar or a spot of simple syrup will do the trick.

This effervescent + fruity Sugar-Rimmed Raspberry Gin Smash is pure refreshment to enjoy poolside + grill side + beachside…orrrr as a little tipple at the end of the night. 

Cheers!

XXOO  AB

*You never know what you will learn at a bar. Bars are like libraries, except more fun.

PS: I add an ounce of St. Germaine to this smash because of its beautifully floral essence. (Actually, I like to add it to just about everything.) But trust me: your drink will be stellar without it.

PPS: If you have time to make these in advance, do it.  The flavors meld together beautifully by sitting in the fridge overnight. Then add the soda water just before serving. 

PPPS: Feel free to substitute vodka for gin or other berries (blackberries, strawberries, blueberries) for the raspberries. I think this way is perfection, but as I said before, it’s whatever blows your skirt up.

If you make this Sugar-Rimmed Raspberry Gin Smash, I’d love to hear about it!  Leave a comment below and tag #nakedepicurean on Instagram so we can celebrate together!

Sugar-Rimmed Raspberry Gin Smash

INGREDIENTS

• 10 fresh raspberries, divided
• healthy sprig of mint, some for garnish
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 2 ounces gin, divided
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice + lime for garnish
• 1 ounce St. Germain liqueur (optional)
• club soda
• ice
• Raspberry Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Run a wedge of lime around the rim of a tall glass. Dip into Raspberry Sugar. Fill glass with ice.

Muddle 8 raspberries + 3-4 mint leaves + powdered sugar in the bottom of a shaker. Add half of the gin and muddle a little more. Fill shaker with ice, then add the rest of the gin, lime juice,  and St. Germain (optional). Cap the shaker and shake it vigorously for about 15-20 seconds or until the outside of the shaker is frosty. 

Strain into your glass of ice. Top with a splash of club soda and swirl everything together. Garnish with remaining 2 raspberries + a slice of lime + mint. Serve immediately