RUSSIAN SPRING PUNCH

The Russian Spring Punch: Dick Bradsell's Sparkling Creation

The Russian Spring Punch was created by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell in the mid-1980s at Dick's Bar in London. Bradsell developed the drink during a period when he was creating numerous influential cocktails that would later become modern classics, according to Liquor.com.

The cocktail combines vodka with fresh lemon juice, crème de cassis, simple syrup, and champagne. This formula creates a refreshing, berry-forward drink where cassis adds fruity sweetness and champagne provides effervescence, as noted in Difford's Guide.

The Russian Spring Punch never achieved the same widespread recognition as Bradsell's Espresso Martini but remains respected among bartenders as an elegant champagne cocktail.

RECIPE:

1 oz vodka

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz crème de cassis

1/4 oz simple syrup

2-3 oz champagne or sparkling wine

Berries for garnish

Method:

1. Add vodka, lemon juice, cassis, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake vigorously.

3. Strain into a champagne flute.

4. Top with champagne. Garnish with fresh berries.