Russian Spring Punch

Russian Spring Punch Recipe - Vodka, Crème de Cassis, Champagne, Lemon Juice, Caster Sugar

Region / culture: Russia | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

Russian Spring Punch is a refreshing and bubbly cocktail that is perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring. This cocktail combines the bold flavors of vodka and crème de cassis with the effervescence of champagne, creating a drink that is both sweet and tart.

History

The Russian Spring Punch cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in Russia. It was created as a way to celebrate the end of the long, cold winter months and the beginning of warmer weather. The combination of vodka, crème de cassis, and champagne was a popular choice among the Russian elite, who enjoyed the drink at lavish springtime parties.

Ingredients

2 shots of Stolichnaya red vodka
0.5 shot of de Kuyper crème de cassis
champagne (to top)
1 shot of fresh lemon juice
2 tsp of caster sugar

How to prepare

Shake the ingredients with cubed ice, then strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. Finally, top it off with champagne.

Variations

Substitute the vodka with gin for a different flavor profile.
Use raspberry liqueur instead of crème de cassis for a fruity twist.
Add a splash of soda water for extra fizz.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to shake the ingredients well with ice to ensure that the flavors are properly mixed.

- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Russian Spring Punch cocktail in a highball glass with a lemon twist garnish for a touch of elegance.

Cooking Techniques

Shaking the ingredients with ice helps to chill the cocktail and properly mix the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have crème de cassis, you can use blackcurrant liqueur as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Russian Spring Punch cocktail ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cocktail in a highball glass with a sugar rim for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers such as bruschetta or shrimp cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cocktail in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not reheat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Russian Spring Punch contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Russian Spring Punch cocktail contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This cocktail is fat-free.

Proteins

There is no protein in the Russian Spring Punch cocktail.

Vitamins and minerals

This cocktail contains a small amount of vitamin C from the fresh lemon juice.

Alergens

This cocktail may contain sulfites from the champagne.

Summary

The Russian Spring Punch cocktail is a light and refreshing drink that is relatively low in calories and free of fats and proteins.

Summary

Russian Spring Punch is a delightful cocktail that is perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring. With its combination of vodka, crème de cassis, and champagne, this drink is sure to impress your guests at any springtime gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Russian Spring Punch as if it were yesterday. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Olga in her cozy kitchen. Olga was a wonderful cook and always had a new recipe or two up her sleeve to share with me.

On that particular day, she had just returned from a trip to Russia and brought back a recipe for a refreshing and vibrant drink called Russian Spring Punch. As she excitedly explained the ingredients and preparation method to me, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the exotic flavors and beautiful presentation of the drink.

The recipe called for a mix of fresh strawberries, cucumber, mint leaves, and lime juice, all muddled together with a splash of vodka and topped off with sparkling water. Olga explained that this drink was a popular choice at summer gatherings in Russia, as it was light and refreshing, perfect for hot weather.

I watched intently as Olga demonstrated how to make the drink, carefully measuring out each ingredient and explaining the importance of balance and harmony in the flavors. She encouraged me to taste as we went along, adjusting the sweetness or acidity to suit my own preferences.

After we finished making the Russian Spring Punch, we sat down in Olga's garden to enjoy our creation. As I took my first sip, I was immediately transported to a sunny afternoon in a Russian garden, surrounded by friends and laughter. The flavors of the drink were bright and zesty, with a subtle hint of sweetness from the strawberries.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to add this recipe to my collection. I thanked Olga profusely for sharing her knowledge and vowed to recreate the drink for my own family and friends.

Over the years, I have made Russian Spring Punch many times, always adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I swap out the strawberries for raspberries or blackberries, or add a splash of elderflower liqueur for an extra floral note. Each time I serve the drink, it never fails to impress and delight my guests.

I have shared the recipe with many friends and family members, passing on the tradition of making Russian Spring Punch to the next generation. It has become a staple at our summer gatherings, sparking memories of warm afternoons spent in good company.

As I look back on that fateful day in Olga's kitchen, I am grateful for the inspiration and joy that her recipe has brought into my life. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I will always cherish the moment I first learned to make Russian Spring Punch, a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those who have had the pleasure of enjoying it.