These vibrant red cocktails make a splash whenever you serve them! There are red drinks for everyone, from sweet martini to bitter Negroni.
Want to make a statement? Go bold with a red cocktail! The vibrant bright color makes for an eye-catching red drink that makes any occasion more fun. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a romantic dinner, or just a themed-celebration, anything is better with a signature drink in hand. Red drinks don’t all have to be sweet, either: many of these drinks are sweet tart or even bitter (in the case of a Negroni).
Here are all our best red cocktails, from sweet to bitter and everything in between! Each one represents a natural way to make a red drink. Here are a few ways to add a crimson hue to cocktails:
- Cranberry juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Blood orange juice
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Grenadine, a pomegranate syrup
- Campari, a red liqueur
And now…the top red cocktails to try!
First up in these red cocktails: the Raspberry Martini! This drink is stunning and full of bright berry flavor. The sweet tart, lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure, thanks to homemade raspberry syrup. This cocktail is perfect for a romantic dinner, girls night, Valentine’s Day, or really any occasion that needs a red drink. It’s on the sweeter side, but the zing of fresh lemon balances it perfectly.
Also try: Pomegranate Martini
Try this tasty frozen red drink: the Strawberry Margarita! This one is icy and fruity, full of berry flavor that's perfectly complimented with tangy lime and the bite of tequila. The marg pairs perfectly with berries. You'll love its vibrant red color and sweet tart flavor.
Want an easy red cocktail that’s festive and sophisticated? There’s nothing better than a Kir Royale! This famous French cocktail stars black currant liqueur and sparkling wine: and the berries and bubbles suit each other perfectly. The best cocktail recipes are simple perfection, and there’s nothing better than this 2 ingredient combination.
Looking for a classic red cocktail with an Italian vibe? Enter: the Negroni! Not all red cocktails need to be sweet. The Negroni is equal parts refreshing, bitter, and complex: a drink that you’ll want to sit with and savor a while. The bright red of the Campari makes for a stunning jewel-tone statement of a drink.
Also try: Negroni Sbagliato, Mezcal Negroni, Boulevardier or Old Pal Cocktail
Meet another red cocktail variation on the margarita: the Cranberry Margarita! This bright crimson drink is absolutely stunning to look at, and the sweet tart flavor is crisp and refreshing. It’s got all the character of the classic margarita, but a beautiful new look and nuance to the flavor!
Also try: Pomegranate Margarita
When it comes to festive red cocktails…well, this one might take the cake. Try this Pomegranate Mimosa! The combination of sweet tart pomegranate, orange perfume and airy bubbles is one of the most satisfying in our list of 200+ cocktail recipes.
Also try: Cranberry Mimosa or Poinsettia
Want an impressive red cocktail that’s fruity and refreshing? Try the classic Singapore Sling! This one’s for the adventurous drinker because it calls for a whopping 8 ingredients! It’s the longest ingredient list of any of our cocktail recipes and has a few specialty ingredients. But if you don’t mind the challenge: it’s a must try! The combination of fruity, sweet tart and bubbly is intriguingly complex and just plain fun.
Some days call for a classic cocktail, others for a funky and unique craft cocktail. Yet some others call for…a down home party drink. There’s no shame, and this one is 100% delicious. Try this bubbly red drink, the Vodka Spritzer! It’s just sweet enough with a subtle berry flavor: tangy, refreshing and sparkling all at once. Cranberry juice makes the brilliant red color and a tart and crisp flavor.
Here's a famous frozen red cocktail: the strawberry daiquiri! This rum cocktail also has a distinct 1990's resort vibe, but pleasantly so. Our version has pure berry flavor and is just sweet enough. One taste, and you’ll be singing its praises! If you'd like, whip up a little lime daiquiri as a festive topping: and it adds even more tangy flavor as it mixes in.
There’s not much better than a fruity glass of classic red sangria! The classic Spanish way to make it is all about nuanced flavor. It’s bold, it’s fruity, and the perfect balance of dry and sweet. Here’s how to make red wine sangria like it’s made in Spain, featuring wine-soaked fruit, brandy, and a hint of orange liqueur.
Here’s a tasty, sweet tart red drink you’ve got to try: the Cranberry Martini! It’s refreshing, zingy and perfectly balanced, starring Cointreau orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. If you think this drink bears a striking resemblance to the classic cocktail the Cosmopolitan, you’re right!
Want a simple red makeover for your margarita? Try the Italian margarita! This drink is a fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines: in cocktail form! This Mediterranean version of the classic cocktail swaps out orange liqueur for amaretto, and the almond essence adds a distinctly Italian vibe. How to get the bright red color? Blood orange juice.
Also try: Blood Orange Margarita
Raspberry Martini (& More Red Drinks!)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
This raspberry martini is a vibrant red cocktail full of berry flavor! Treat yourself with this beautiful sweet drink.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce* 100% cranberry juice (not sweetened**)
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce raspberry syrup (homemade is best, or use purchased)
- For the garnish: fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake 15 seconds until cold.
- Strain the drink into a cocktail or martini glass. Garnish with raspberries and serve.
Notes
*1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
**If all you can find is sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail, use ½ ounce raspberry syrup, then add more to taste.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Red cocktails
More cocktail recipes
There are so many more cocktails to try! Outside of these red cocktails, we’ve got 200+ cocktails for every occasion:
- Classics: Try Classic Cocktails or Great Cocktail Recipes.
- Easy: These 10 Easy Mixed Drinks and Cheap Drinks have just 2 to 3 ingredients.
- Fancy: Opt for the best in Craft Cocktails.
- The Big 5: Try all our cocktails with Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, Tequila or Rum.
- Related drinks: Head to Classic Pomegranate Cocktails, Best Cranberry Cocktails Great Strawberry Cocktails, Blood Orange Recipes, Campari Cocktails or Grenadine Cocktails.