Berry Proper

Berry Proper is bright, punchy, and full of citrus and berry flavor. Raspberry syrup gives it a fruity kick, while Dry Gin adds a crisp, herbal backbone. Limoncello brings in a smooth lemon flavor that pairs nicely with the fresh lemon juice, keeping things tart and refreshing. A bit of simple syrup helps balance everything out. It’s a fun, rosy-colored cocktail that hits that sweet spot between light and bold. Whether you’re starting off the night or just winding down, this one’s an easy win especially chilled and served with a twist of lemon.

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Tasting Notes

The Berry Proper is citrusy, floral, and just sweet enough to keep things balanced. The raspberry syrup brings a fruity pop up front, while the lemon juice adds a sharp edge that cuts through the sweetness. Dry Gin lays down a crisp botanical layer, and the Limoncello liqueur keeps the citrus notes going with a soft, almost candy-like twist. Simple syrup ties everything together without overpowering the fruit. The final drink is bright pink, smooth, and easy to sip, with a nice back-and-forth between sweet, tart, and a gentle bite from the gin.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker, jigger, and fine mesh strainer to pull this off cleanly. Since there’s fruit syrup and citrus in the mix, shaking with ice is a must to chill and blend the ingredients well. A coupe or Nick & Nora glass works best to show off the color and give it that polished look. Use a citrus press for the lemon juice if you’re working with fresh fruit. Always strain to keep any pulp or ice shards out of the final pour it should be smooth from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Dry Gin
• 1 oz raspberry syrup
• 1 oz Limoncello liqueur
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions

• Add raspberry syrup, gin, limoncello, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker.
• Fill with ice and shake until well chilled.
• Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
• Garnish with mint sprig.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality raspberry syrup real fruit flavor matters here.
• Shake with plenty of ice to get the drink cold and slightly frothy.
• If your syrup is too thick, thin it with a splash of water before adding to the shaker.
• For a slightly drier finish, skip the simple syrup or cut it to a quarter ounce.
• Always taste before serving this drink walks a fine line between tart and sweet, so a little tweak can make a big difference.
• Chill your glass ahead of time so the drink stays cold longer.

When to Serve

The Berry Proper fits best in early evening, at brunch, or as a pre-dinner drink. It’s a crowd-pleaser with just enough edge to keep it from feeling too sweet. Serve it when you want something light but still spirit-forward. It also makes a great signature cocktail at showers, parties, or small gatherings where presentation counts. The soft pink color draws people in, and the balanced taste keeps them coming back. It’s a great “starter” cocktail that still holds its own next to stronger classics.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Hayman’s London Dry Gin is a solid pick with enough botanical character to hold up here.
• If needed, swap for Bombay Dry or Beefeater.
• For limoncello, Pallini has the right balance of tart and sweet, but Luxardo also works well.
• Use real raspberry syrup Liber & Co. or homemade is better than artificial ones.
• For simple syrup, a homemade 1:1 ratio of sugar and water will do just fine.
• Stick to fresh lemon juice, and make sure everything is cold before shaking. That keeps the flavor clean and the texture smooth.

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