The Berry First Night cocktail is the perfect way to kick off a special evening! Featuring gin, aquavit, raspberries, lemon, agave, and Greek yogurt.

Jump to Recipe

Berry First Night

Even though Fall is just around the corner, I’m hanging onto the last few rays of summer with the refreshing Berry First Night cocktail! This delightful concoction brings together the sweet tartness of raspberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice with the botanical kick of aquavit and gin.
I loved experimenting with aquavit, and was pleasantly surprised with its floral, herbal, and hint of citrus notes. I added a dollop of Greek yogurt for a smooth texture, and a touch of agave syrup for some natural sweetness. Cheers!

What is Aquavit?

Aquavit is a unique and flavorful Scandinavian spirit. This clear and potent liquor is primarily distilled from grains or potatoes and is traditionally flavored with a distinctive blend of botanicals, including caraway and dill. Aquavit’s flavor profile is characterized by a combination of herbal, spicy, and sometimes even citrusy notes, making it a versatile addition to cocktails or to sip on its own. Whether you’re a seasoned spirit enthusiast or a curious cocktail explorer, I think aquavit will add a twist to your drinking experience!

Ingredients for the Berry First Night Cocktail

• Raspberries: Muddle raspberries for a pink hue and to release their sweet tartness. I had Driscolls on hand.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for this cocktail. You can use bottled as well.
• Gin: Choose a high-quality gin for a smooth and balanced flavor profile, like You & Yours Sunday Gin.
• Aquavit: Adds a unique twist to the cocktail, with herbal and spicy notes. I like Batch 22.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Tangy Greek yogurt gives the cocktail a smooth texture. I used Chobani.
• Agave: For a touch of natural sweetness. You can also use honey.
• Raspberries and edible flowers: A few extra raspberries and edible flowers for a delicate finishing touch.

How to Make the Berry First Night Cocktail

Now let’s mix up the Berry First Night Cocktail! Start by adding raspberries and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle them until they break down. Next, add the gin and aquavit to the shaker, followed by the Greek yogurt, agave syrup, and ice.

Shake until everything is well combined and chilled, then strain into a cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with a few extra raspberries and some delicate edible flowers, if desired.

More Gin Cocktails to Try

• Pineapple Gin and Tonic
• Garden Gin Sour
• Cardamom Grapefruit Gin and Tonic

If you’re interested in taking Insta-worthy photos of your cocktails and making money too, check out my free training on 5 secrets to high-end food (& drink) photography that makes you more money!

And if you aren’t already, definitely follow me on Instagram and Facebook, to make sure you never miss a recipe! Get tons of behind-the-scenes pics of everything I’m shaking up, shooting, and enjoying!