Few cocktails capture the mood of summer quite like a Raspberry Sunrise. Vibrant in color and easy to prepare, this fruit-forward drink layers raspberry vodka with tropical mango and a touch of cranberry, creating a cocktail that is as visually appealing as it is refreshing.
The original version was created with J.J. Whitley Raspberry Vodka, a flavored vodka known for its bright berry character. One important update from the older article: J.J. Whitley vodka is no longer produced in St. Petersburg. Halewood moved production from Russia to the UK in 2022, so I would remove the original reference to it being “distilled in St Petersburg.”
The combination works because the ingredients play different roles. Raspberry vodka brings soft berry sweetness, mango juice adds a lush tropical note, and a small measure of cranberry provides enough acidity and color to create the signature sunrise effect. Fresh strawberries and mint finish the drink with a simple, summery flourish.
Ingredients
- 50 ml J.J. Whitley Raspberry Vodka
- 150 ml mango juice
- 10 ml cranberry juice
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh mint
- Ice
Method
Fill a rocks or highball glass generously with ice. Pour in the raspberry vodka and mango juice, then stir gently until chilled and combined.
Slowly pour in the cranberry juice, allowing it to filter through the drink rather than stirring it completely. This creates the graduated red-and-gold appearance that gives the Raspberry Sunrise its name.
Finish with fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint, and serve immediately.
Bright, juicy and uncomplicated, the Raspberry Sunrise is particularly well suited to warm-weather entertaining. The tropical mango keeps it generous and fruit-driven, while raspberry and cranberry add just enough tartness to prevent the cocktail from becoming overly sweet.
It is an easy drink to prepare for one, yet simple enough to scale for a summer gathering—and proof that sometimes the most memorable cocktails are also the least complicated.
