Sparkling Raspberry Champagne Float Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

My Sparkling Raspberry Champagne Float offers a refreshing and elegant combination. This delightful beverage is perfect for a celebration or a special treat.

The key ingredient in this float is fresh raspberries, which give the drink a burst of color and a pretty good dose of dietary fiber and antioxidants. I like to enhance the natural sweetness of the raspberries with just two tablespoons of granulated sugar.

Paired with a tablespoon of lemon juice, this float has the right amount of sweetness—that is, no more than the right amount—to keep it balanced. Raspberry sorbet or sherbet is, in my view, the star ingredient of this recipe.

It lends a silky texture and an intense raspberry flavor that goes magnificently with the bubbles in the chilled champagne or sparkling wine. The beauty of using champagne in this float is that you can pick one that has a very different flavor profile from the next.

Whether it’s a dry or sweet champagne, you get a different character and flavor effect in the float. Finally, mint leaves add a last touch of freshness.

They give a nice pop of color and add a lightly aromatic note that ups the entire drinking experience. This float is something I would serve at a party or enjoy on a warm afternoon.

I think everyone would find it a delightful sip.

Ingredients photo for Sparkling Raspberry Champagne Float Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Sparkling Raspberry Champagne Float Recipe

Fresh Raspberries:
Full of vitamins and antioxidants, and offers an excellent balance of tartness and sweetness.

Granulated Sugar:
Contributes sweetness to balance the tartness.

Lemon Juice:
Delivers a delightful citrusy pop, boosting the taste.

Raspberry Sorbet/Sherbet:
Raspberry flavor, naturally sweet, and creamy texture.

Chilled Champagne:
Bubbly and effervescent, adds a sophisticated touch.

Mint Leaves:
Supplies a revived fragrance and produce for the extra flourish.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 pint fresh raspberries

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 pint raspberry sorbet or sherbet

  • 1 bottle chilled champagne or sparkling wine

  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the fresh raspberries under a cold tap and dry them off with a paper towel.

2. In a tiny bowl, mix together the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. With a fork, slightly mash the raspberries, and allow the mixture to macerate for 10-15 minutes.

3. Distribute roughly two tablespoons of the raspberry mixture into each serving glass; it should cover the bottom of the glass.

4. Top the raspberry mixture in each glass with a small scoop of raspberry sorbet or sherbet.

5. Carefully pour the champagne or sparkling wine into the glasses over the sorbet, stopping just before the liquid reaches the rim.

6. Should the fizzing start to decrease, fill each glass back up with a little more champagne.

7. If desired, add an extra small scoop of raspberry sorbet on top.

8. Add fresh mint leaves to each glass for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.

9. Serve right away with a straw or spoon to relish the wonderful combination of bubble and sorbet.

10. Take pleasure in the revitalizing bubbles and tart flavor of the Sparkling Raspberry Champagne Float!

Equipment Needed

1. Colander or fine mesh strainer (to wash raspberries)
2. Paper towels (for drying raspberries)
3. Small bowl (for mixing raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice)
4. Fork (for mashing raspberries)
5. Measuring spoons (for measuring sugar and lemon juice)
6. Serving glasses (for serving the float)
7. Spoon or ice cream scoop (for scooping sorbet)
8. Straw or spoon (for serving with the float)

FAQ

  • Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?Frozen raspberries may be used; however, they must be allowed to thaw and drain excess liquid before being used.

  • What can I substitute for raspberry sorbet?In the absence of raspberry sorbet, one can use raspberry sherbet or even vanilla ice cream for a completely different flavor profile.

  • Do I have to use champagne?Although champagne imparts a pleasing flavor and effervescence, you can replace it with any sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage.

  • How can I make it non-alcoholic?Replace champagne with sparkling grape juice or soda for a non-al alcoholic version.

  • Is the lemon juice necessary?Adding lemon juice can balance out the sweetness quite nicely. You can adjust to your tastes or leave it out if you prefer.

  • How to store leftover ingredients?Refrigerate and keep sealed leftover raspberries. Freeze sorbet. Refrigerate champagne, keeping it sealed until served.

  • Can I prepare this in advance?This float is best made fresh for the optimal fizz and the best presentation.

Substitutions and Variations

Ripe raspberries: You can use frozen raspberries in place of fresh ones; just make sure to thaw them before you use them.
Granulated sugar: Substitute with honey or agave syrup, which are natural sweeteners.
Lime juice or orange juice can be used for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Choose between raspberry sorbet or sherbet, and make sure to select strawberry or mixed berry sorbet as a substitute.
Sparkling wine or champagne: For a non-alcoholic version, use non-alcoholic sparkling juice or sparkling water.