Welcome to The Don’t Settle Recipe Box — a simple collection of recipes made for real life, real homes, and the kind of gatherings that make Missouri living feel special.

A good summer drink does not have to be complicated.

This red, white, and blue sparkler is festive, simple, and easy to adjust depending on what you’re serving and who is at the table.

It works beautifully for a Fourth of July gathering, a lake weekend, a backyard dinner, or any summer evening when you want something that feels a little more fun than the usual drink cooler.

And because not everyone wants a cocktail, I included a mocktail version too.

Same look.

Same festive feel.

No alcohol required.

Red, White, and Blue Sparkler

This festive summer drink can be made as either a cocktail or a mocktail. Both versions are bright, simple, and easy to serve in a pretty glass with fresh berries.

Ingredients

Red White and Blue Mocktail

2 oz cranberry juice or raspberry juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup
3 oz sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime sparkling water
Fresh blueberries
Fresh raspberries or strawberries
Ice
Sugar for rim (red, white, and blue sugar crystals are fun), optional

Red White and Blue Cocktail

Ingredients
1 ½ oz Citrus Vodka
1 oz Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 Lime wedge
Red, white, and blue sugar crystals for the rim
Fresh strawberries and
blueberries (for garnish)

Instructions – Mocktail

Prep the Glass: Pour the red, white, and blue sugar crystals onto a small, flat plate. Rub the lime wedge along the rim of your martini glass, then dip the rim into the crystals to create a festive coating
Add cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a glass with ice.
Stir well.
Top with sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime sparkling water.
Garnish with blueberries and raspberries or a strawberry slice.
Serve in a martini glass or coupe glass for the same festive look.

Instructions – Cocktail

Prep the Glass: Pour the red, white, and blue sugar crystals onto a small, flat plate. Rub the lime wedge along the rim of your martini glass, then dip the rim into the crystals to create a festive coating.
Chill: Place the prepared glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you mix the drink.
Shake: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
Serve: Strain the chilled mixture into your sugar-rimmed martini glass.
Garnish: Skewer a few fresh blueberries and a strawberry on a cocktail pick and rest it on the edge of the glass.

Both versions are meant to feel festive, refreshing, and easy to serve. The mocktail is not a backup version — it is a great option all on its own.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is easy to adjust based on what you like and what you have on hand.

Use raspberry juice for a sweeter berry flavor.

Use cranberry juice for a slightly tart version.

Swap sparkling lemonade for lemon-lime sparkling water if you want it lighter.

Add extra lime if you like a brighter citrus flavor.

Serve it in a coupe glass, martini glass, wine glass, or short tumbler.

Use frozen berries to help keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.

Easy Hosting Tip

Set up a small drink station with both versions.

Label one Cocktail and one Mocktail so guests can choose what works for them.

Keep berries, lime wedges, sugar rims, and sparkling lemonade nearby so the drinks still feel pretty without requiring you to mix each one individually.

A Quick Note

The cocktail version is intended for adults 21 and older.

The mocktail version is a great option for anyone who prefers a non-alcoholic drink.

Why This Recipe Works for Missouri Living

Summer in Missouri has its own rhythm.

Warm evenings, outdoor tables, lake weekends, community events, and holidays that somehow always seem to involve someone bringing one more thing to share.

This drink fits right into that.

It is festive without being fussy, easy to make in small batches, and simple to adjust for different preferences.

That is the goal of The Don’t Settle Recipe Box: recipes that feel useful, welcoming, and easy to bring into real life.

Back to The Recipe Box

Red, White & Blue Sparkler Martini/Cocktail with Mocktail Option