Raspberry Rosé Float

Honestly, some cocktails feel like you planned a whole celebration even when you didn’t, and the Raspberry Rosé Float is one of those. The first time I made it was on a warm afternoon when I wanted something light, pretty, and easy without pulling out a shaker. I dropped a few scoops of raspberry sorbet into a flute, topped it with sparkling rosé, and suddenly it looked like a fancy toast worthy drink.

This cocktail sits right between a drink and a dessert, which makes it a fun surprise for guests. The sorbet melts into the wine, turning it into a frosty, berry flavored float with bubbles on top. I love this because it’s simple, but it always gets that “wait, what is that” reaction when it hits the table. The Raspberry Rosé Float works for brunch, showers, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any moment where you want cocktails that look great in photos and take almost no time to make.

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Why You’ll Love This

This drink is one of the easiest ways to serve something that feels special. You get bubbly rosé, bright raspberry flavor, and a slushy texture as the sorbet melts. It’s also a great option when you want cocktails for a group but do not want to spend the whole night mixing.

• It’s a cocktail and dessert in one glass
• No shaker or measuring tools required if you keep it simple
• It looks impressive for photos and parties
• You can make one drink at a time or a whole tray for guests
• The flavor stays light and fruity, not heavy
• It’s easy to customize with different sorbets and wines

Once you try it, you’ll see why this float is such a crowd favorite. It’s one of those cocktails that feels fun and low stress at the same time.

Ingredients

The ingredient list is short, but each piece matters. Raspberry sorbet provides the main flavor and that frozen texture. Sparkling rosé adds bubbles and a light wine finish that keeps the drink from tasting too sweet.

• 2-3 scoops of raspberry sorbet we used Talenti
• 6 oz Sparkling Rosè Wine
• 3-4 fresh Raspberries for garnish
• 2 fresh mint leaves for garnish

For the best texture, let the sorbet soften for a few minutes before scooping. If it’s rock hard, you’ll struggle to get nice scoops and the float will melt unevenly. With the rosé, choose one that’s crisp and not overly sweet so it balances the sorbet instead of piling on more sugar.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Sparkling rosé can taste very different depending on the bottle, so pick one you already like sipping. A dry or brut style option usually works best with sorbet because it keeps the float balanced. Sorbet also offers room to play if raspberry is not available.

• La Marca Rosé Prosecco for a light, crisp bubbly option
• Mumm Napa Brut Rosé for a drier, more wine forward finish
• Freixenet Rosé for a bright, easy to find sparkling choice
• Any brut sparkling wine if rosé is unavailable, then add a few extra raspberries
• Strawberry, blood orange, or lemon sorbet as a swap for raspberry
• Non alcoholic sparkling rosé if you want a mocktail version

If you only have still rosé, you can use it, but the drink will feel less lively. In that case, go lighter on the wine and use an extra scoop of sorbet for the float texture.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail is all about ease, so you only need a scoop and a glass. The glass choice changes the vibe, but the drink works in almost anything. You can go classic, playful, or casual depending on the occasion.

• Ice cream scoop
• Champagne Glass
• Small plate

Flutes look great because they show off the color and the bubbles. A wider glass like a coupe or wine glass can be easier to scoop into and gives more space for garnishes. If you’re serving a group, set out your glasses first so you can build quickly.

How to Make It

This recipe is simple, but timing matters. You want the sorbet to be scoopable and the sparkling rosé to be very cold. The faster you build and serve, the prettier the float stays.

1. Take the sorbet out of the freezer and let it soften for about 5 minutes.
2. Add 2 to 3 scoops of raspberry sorbet to your glass of choice.
3. Slowly top with about 6 oz of sparkling rosé wine.
4. Add fresh raspberries and mint leaves on top.
5. Serve immediately while it’s fizzy and frosty.

If you want more of a float effect, add the wine slowly so the sorbet keeps its shape longer. If you want it more like a slushy cocktail, stir gently after pouring.

Pro Tips

This drink looks fancy, but it’s really about a few smart choices. Cold wine, softened sorbet, and quick serving make the biggest difference. These tips help you get a cleaner look and better flavor every time.

• Chill the rosé well so the float stays cold longer
• Let sorbet soften briefly for smoother, prettier scoops
• Pour slowly to keep the bubbles from overflowing
• Use a dry sparkling rosé to avoid an overly sweet drink
• Serve immediately because the texture changes fast
• Keep garnishes simple so the drink stays easy to sip
• Add a third scoop only if your glass has room to prevent spillover
• If making a tray, scoop first then pour right before serving

Once you’ve made it once, you’ll get the hang of the timing. It’s a great drink to keep in your back pocket when you want something that feels special with almost no work.

Variations

This float is easy to customize, which is part of why it’s so fun. You can change the sorbet flavor, adjust sweetness, or make it alcohol free. These ideas keep the same concept but give you new directions.

• Strawberry sorbet with sparkling rosé for a softer berry version
• Lemon sorbet with sparkling rosé for a brighter, tangier float
• Blood orange sorbet with brut sparkling wine for a bold citrus twist
• Add a splash of vodka or raspberry liqueur for a stronger version
• Use non alcoholic sparkling rosé for a family friendly mocktail float

If you like herbal flavors, add a tiny basil leaf instead of mint. Keep it light, since strong herbs can take over quickly.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Raspberry Rosé Float is made for celebrations, but it also works for casual moments when you want a treat. It’s especially good when you’re serving light snacks, fruit, or desserts. I like it as a welcome drink because it’s simple and it sets a fun mood right away.

• Great for brunch, showers, birthdays, and date nights
• Perfect for warm weather gatherings and patio parties
• Pair with fruit platters, cheese boards, or light pastries
• Works well with chocolate dipped strawberries or shortbread cookies
• Serve with other bubbly cocktails if you’re doing a toast spread

If you’re building a menu, include one citrus cocktail and one creamy dessert drink too. That gives guests options while keeping the vibe cohesive.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail does not store well once it’s made. The sorbet melts quickly and the bubbles fade, so it’s best served right away. The good news is that prep is minimal, so you can build each drink quickly as guests arrive.

For hosting, keep the sorbet in the freezer until the last minute and keep your sparkling rosé in the coldest part of the fridge. You can pre wash berries and mint, then store them in the fridge on a paper towel so they stay fresh. If you’re serving a group, scoop sorbet into glasses first, then pour the rosé right before handing them out.

FAQs

This drink is simple, but a few small questions come up when people make it for the first time. The answers are mostly about timing and sweetness. Once you understand those, it’s an easy win.

Can I use regular ice cream instead of sorbet?
You can, but it will be much richer and heavier. Sorbet keeps the drink bright and fruity, which fits sparkling rosé better.

What if my sorbet is too hard to scoop?
Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. You can also run your scoop under warm water to help.

Is sparkling rosé required?
Sparkling is best because it creates the float effect with bubbles. Still rosé works, but it won’t feel as lively.

How do I keep it from overflowing when I pour?
Pour slowly and tilt the glass slightly. The sorbet will foam up at first, then settle.

Can I make it non alcoholic?
Yes, use non alcoholic sparkling rosé or sparkling grape juice. The sorbet and garnish do most of the flavor work anyway.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like the Raspberry Rosé Float, you probably enjoy cocktails that are light, fruity, and easy to serve. These drinks keep that same party friendly style while giving you different flavor directions. They’re also great for keeping guests interested and giving readers more ideas to click.

• Fanta Aperol Spritz: bubbly, citrusy, and easy to pour for a group
• Pink French 75: sparkling cocktail with lemon and a clean finish
• Raspberry Lemon Drop: vodka cocktail with berry and citrus balance
• Strawberry Bellini: sparkling drink with fruit flavor and a brunch vibe
• Peach Rosé Sangria: a simple pitcher drink with fruit and wine