Berries & Bubbles Recipe

Rinse the blackberries gently and drain. Place 1 cup blackberries in a small bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to the berries. Gently muddle 6–8 times to release juices but keep some whole berries for texture.

Add 2 tablespoons Ketel One Citroen Vodka to the muddled berries, stir to combine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours). Strain if you want a smoother liquid or leave the berries whole with their juices for a rustic texture. Reserve marinade and berries.

Chill a coupe or flute by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail; discard ice water before pouring.

In a cocktail shaker (or mixing glass if you prefer less dilution), add 1.5 oz Ketel One Citroen Vodka, 3 tablespoons marinated blackberries with their juices (or 1.5 oz if you prefer measured liquid), 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup if you want extra sweetness.

Add a small handful of cracked ice to the shaker, then shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to chill and integrate flavors.

Double-strain the mixture into the chilled coupe or flute to remove seeds and large berry pieces. If you prefer more fruit in the glass, fine-strain into a rocks glass over fresh cracked ice instead.

Top gently with 3 oz Piper Sonoma Brut (or similar brut) poured down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles.

For garnish, thread 1 fresh blackberry onto a cocktail pick and place on the rim, and add a lemon twist to the glass or rim.

Dry ice creates dramatic fog but must be handled with caution: always use gloves or tongs; never allow dry ice to contact skin; never ingest or place dry ice directly into a drink that will be consumed while the dry ice remains. Only use dry ice to create ambient smoke in a separate vessel or ensure it has fully sublimated before serving if placed near the drink.

Ambient Smoke Presentation (recommended)

Place 1 cup of warm water in a small heatproof bowl or metal cup. Using tongs or gloves, add a 0.5 oz piece of dry ice to the water immediately before presenting. The fog will spill over the bowl; set the cocktail beside the bowl for a dramatic tableside reveal. Keep guests at a safe distance and do not let dry ice fall into the cocktail.

Alternative Safe Tabletop Smoke (if placing near the glass)

If you want smoke to appear around the glass but avoid a separate bowl, use a larger glass cloche: place dry ice in a small container with water at the base of the serving tray, set the cocktail inside the cloche but elevated so the dry ice cannot contact the drink. Remove the cloche carefully after fog builds. Ensure all dry ice is removed and fully sublimated before allowing guests to consume the cocktail from inside the cloche.

Serve immediately while the sparkling wine is still effervescent and the aroma of marinated blackberries and lemon is bright.