Bold, fruity, and visually striking, the Purple Rain Cocktail is a stunning mix of citrus, berry, and effervescent fizz. Vodka provides a smooth base, while blue curaçao and cranberry juice combine to create its signature deep purple hue. A splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness, and soda water lightens the drink for a crisp, bubbly finish. Garnished with a bright lemon wheel and a cranberry, this cocktail is perfect for parties, celebrations, or whenever you want a show-stopping drink with a refreshing kick. Cheers!
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Tasting Notes
The Purple Rain Cocktail delivers a balanced combination of sweet and tart flavors. The blue curaçao provides a tropical sweetness, while the cranberry and lemon juice add a zesty, refreshing kick. The soda water creates a light, fizzy finish.
Equipment and Glassware
A tall glass, such as a highball or Collins glass, highlights the drink’s striking purple hue. A jigger ensures precise measurements, while a bar spoon helps gently mix the ingredients without disrupting carbonation. Ice keeps it cool, and the lemon wheel and cranberry garnish add an elegant finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz soda water
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- Cranberry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and lemon juice to the glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cranberry for a pop of color.
- Serve and enjoy your Purple Rain Cocktail!
Pro Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for a brighter citrus note. If you prefer a sweeter version, swap soda water for lemon-lime soda.
- For a deeper purple color, slightly increase the cranberry juice.
- Stir gently to avoid flattening the bubbles, and chill ingredients beforehand for an extra-refreshing sip.
When to Serve
This visually stunning cocktail is perfect for parties, celebrations, and themed events. Its bright, refreshing taste makes it a great choice for summer gatherings, rooftop get-togethers, or as a fun, colorful addition to any cocktail menu. Serve it when you want to impress guests with a bold, stylish drink.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Choose a smooth vodka like Tito’s, Absolut, or Grey Goose for a clean base. For blue curaçao, Bols or DeKuyper provide great color and citrus flavor. Use 100% cranberry juice for a natural tartness, and opt for premium soda water like Fever-Tree or Topo Chico for crisp carbonation.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Purple Rain Cocktail, here are five similar cocktails to try:
- Cranberry Collins
- The Crypt Keeper Cocktail
- Paradise Cocktail
- Cranberry Bourbon Sour
- Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritz
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz soda water
- Lemon wheel for garnish
- Cranberry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and lemon juice to the glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cranberry for a pop of color.
- Serve and enjoy your Purple Rain Cocktail!
Notes
- For a sweeter version, substitute the soda water with a lemon-lime soda.
- To intensify the color, add a splash of grenadine for a deeper purple hue.