There's nothing quite like the zing of fresh lemon and the juicy burst of raspberries to cool you down on a hot summer day. This Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler is bright, bubbly, and just sweet enough to keep everyone coming back for more.

I first made this refreshing drink for a backyard BBQ on a sweltering July afternoon. It was an instant hit—adults loved its zesty sophistication, and kids couldn’t get enough of the ruby red fizz. Quick to prep, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, it’s become a go-to in our warm-weather drink rotation.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just lounging on the porch, this sparkler is the perfect sip of summer in a glass. Let’s dive into what makes this drink so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler

Say hello to your new favorite summer beverage. This Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler is more than just a pretty drink—it’s a flavorful, fizzy burst of sunshine.

It’s super easy to make. With just a few ingredients and no complicated prep, this drink comes together in minutes. You don’t even need a blender or cocktail shaker—just stir, pour, and serve.

Perfect for entertaining. The vibrant color and elegant garnish options make it a showstopper at any gathering. Whether served in mason jars or champagne flutes, it looks stunning every time.

Kid- and adult-friendly. Made alcohol-free, it’s a delightful mocktail for the whole family. But it also plays well with a splash of vodka or prosecco if you want to give it a grown-up twist.

Naturally refreshing. The tang of fresh lemon juice, the subtle tartness of raspberries, and the sparkle of seltzer make this drink incredibly refreshing without being overly sweet.

Once you try it, you'll want to keep a pitcher in your fridge all summer long.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of this sparkler lies in its fresh, seasonal ingredients. You only need a handful of basics, but each one plays a key role in building the flavor.

Fresh raspberries are the heart of this drink. Their vibrant color and slightly tart taste create a beautiful contrast with the lemon. I like to muddle a handful at the bottom of the pitcher for extra flavor, then float whole berries on top as a garnish.

Lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed, brings that bright citrus punch. You’ll need about 2–3 lemons depending on their size. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh really makes this drink sing.

Simple syrup gives just the right amount of sweetness. You can buy it pre-made, but I usually whip up a quick batch at home using equal parts water and sugar simmered until dissolved. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.

Sparkling water or club soda adds the fun fizz. I recommend using unflavored or a complementary flavor like lemon or berry. Avoid tonic water—it’s too bitter for this drink.

Ice is essential for keeping things cool and crisp. Use plenty! Crushed ice works beautifully here, especially if you’re serving it immediately.

No fancy tools are needed—just a large pitcher, a muddler or wooden spoon, and your favorite serving glasses.

How To Make This Summer Raspberry Lemon Sparkler

Making this sparkler couldn’t be easier, but a few tips will help you get the best flavor and presentation every time.

Start by making the simple syrup if you don’t have any on hand. Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool to room temperature.

While the syrup cools, juice your lemons and set the juice aside. Aim for about ½ cup of fresh juice—it should be tart and fragrant. If you’re using bottled juice, give it a quick taste to make sure it’s not too sour or metallic.

Next, in a large pitcher, muddle a handful of raspberries with a tablespoon or two of the lemon juice. This releases their juices and deepens the flavor of the drink. Don’t strain—it’s lovely to have little flecks of raspberry throughout.

Add the rest of the lemon juice and about ⅓ to ½ cup of the cooled simple syrup to the pitcher. Give it a good stir, then fill the pitcher with ice—almost to the top. Slowly pour in your sparkling water, about 2–3 cups depending on the size of your pitcher.

Give it a gentle stir (you don’t want to lose the bubbles!) and taste-test. Too tart? Add a bit more syrup. Too sweet? Splash in a bit more lemon or soda water.

Serve immediately in chilled glasses, garnished with lemon slices, extra raspberries, and a sprig of fresh mint for that final wow factor.

This drink takes just 10–15 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a last-minute get-together but impressive enough for any summer celebration.

Storage Options

Because it contains carbonated water, this sparkler is best enjoyed right after it’s made. The bubbles start to fade after an hour or so, especially if it’s sitting on ice.

If you want to prep ahead, you can make the lemon-raspberry base (lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled raspberries) up to a day in advance. Store it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge.

Wait to add the sparkling water and ice until just before serving. This preserves that crisp, fizzy texture and keeps the drink from becoming diluted.

If you do have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to one day in a tightly sealed jar. It won’t be as bubbly, but it still tastes great poured over fresh ice.

To re-fizz, try adding a splash of fresh seltzer right before serving!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand—or who you're serving.

For a grown-up twist, add 1–2 ounces of vodka, gin, or prosecco per serving. It turns the sparkler into a light cocktail perfect for brunch or happy hour.

Want to switch up the fruit? Strawberries, blackberries, or even blueberries work just as well. You can also use a mix of berries for a beautiful medley of colors and flavors.

No fresh raspberries? Try a few spoonfuls of raspberry preserves or jam. Just make sure to strain the seeds if they bother you.

If you're avoiding sugar, swap the simple syrup for honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water) or your favorite sugar substitute. Start with less and add more to taste.

Looking for a creamier option? Add a splash of coconut milk or lemonade concentrate for a richer texture. It creates a mocktail that’s almost smoothie-like—and just as satisfying.

Feel free to make it your own and experiment. That’s the beauty of a recipe like this—it’s a canvas for creativity, and no two batches have to be exactly the same.