Unveil the magic of The Ruby Red Sparkler. Join us at Shake, Sip, Serve for delicious recipes and tips! Drink responsibly.
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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Why You’ll Love the Ruby Red Sparkler
Vibrant in colour, refreshing in taste, and sparkling with effervescence—the Ruby Red Sparkler is pure celebration in a glass. It’s bright enough for a summer BBQ, elegant enough for a dinner party, and versatile enough to be made alcohol-free if needed.
This modern cocktail blends cranberry tartness, citrus brightness, and sparkling wine fizz into one dazzling sip.
Ruby Red Sparkler Recipe (Australian Measurements)
Glassware: Wine glass or large coupe
Method: Shake, strain, top
Garnish: Fresh berries or orange slice
Ingredients (1 serve)
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45 ml vodka (or gin for a botanical twist)
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60 ml cranberry juice (100% juice, not sweetened cocktail)
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15 ml orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
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15 ml fresh lime juice
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60–90 ml sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne)
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Fresh berries or orange slice, to garnish
Method
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Chill your glass.
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Add vodka/gin, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
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Shake hard for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
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Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.
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Top gently with sparkling wine.
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Garnish with berries or a citrus wheel.
KAD’s tip: Always use a brut (dry) sparkling wine so the cocktail stays crisp instead of overly sweet.
Variations to Try
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Herbal Sparkler: Muddle a sprig of rosemary or thyme before shaking.
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Citrus Swap: Use blood orange juice instead of cranberry for a deeper red hue.
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Berry Boost: Add a splash of raspberry liqueur for richer fruit tones.
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Non-Alcoholic: Swap vodka for soda water or non-alc spirit, and top with sparkling grape juice.
Perfect Pairings
The Ruby Red Sparkler loves company. Try it with:
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Canapés: Smoked salmon blinis or goat cheese crostini.
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Seafood: Prawns, oysters, or scallops with citrus dressing.
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Desserts: Lemon tart or berry pavlova for a light but decadent finish.
A Toast to Celebration
The Ruby Red Sparkler is more than a cocktail—it’s an occasion-maker. Its jewel-toned colour, refreshing fizz, and balanced flavour profile make it a winner for birthdays, anniversaries, or just when you want to glam up a regular evening.
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au
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