Merri Berri Seltzer | Merridale Distillery Recipe

The Merri Berri Seltzer is a light, refreshing cocktail that puts Merridale’s fruit-forward Merri Berri Cider front and centre. Cowichan Vodka gives it a clean spirit base, while fresh lemon brightens the berries and soda water keeps everything crisp and easy-drinking. It’s simple, colourful and not overly sweet, making it an easy choice for warm afternoons, patio drinks or anytime you’re looking for a lighter vodka cider cocktail.

Quick Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes | Makes: 1 cocktail | Difficulty: Easy | Glass: Large wine glass | Garnish: Fresh berries and lemon wheel

Ingredients

• 1 oz Merridale Cowichan Vodka
• 3 oz Merridale Merri Berri Cider
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz soda water
• Ice
• Fresh berries and lemon wheel, for garnish

Method

Fill a large wine glass generously with ice. Add Cowichan Vodka and fresh lemon juice, then pour in the Merri Berri Cider. Top with soda water and gently stir to combine. Garnish with fresh berries and a lemon wheel.

Why This Cocktail Works

Merri Berri Cider does most of the flavour work here, bringing bright berry and apple character to the cocktail. Cowichan Vodka adds a clean, smooth base without competing with the fruit, while lemon brings enough acidity to sharpen the berry flavours. A splash of soda water stretches the drink into a crisp, refreshing seltzer while keeping the cider at the centre.

It’s an easy berry vodka cocktail with plenty of flavour without relying on sugary mixers.

Ingredient Spotlight

Merridale Merri Berri Cider

Merri Berri brings together the orchard character of Merridale cider with bright, juicy berry flavours. In this cocktail, it takes the place of a traditional flavoured seltzer or mixer, adding fruit, acidity and cider character in one pour.

Merridale Cowichan Vodka

Crafted at Merridale’s Cowichan Valley distillery, Cowichan Vodka provides a clean base that lets the cider and fresh fruit flavours shine. Its versatility makes it particularly well suited to simple cocktails where a few good ingredients do all the work.

Pair It With

The Merri Berri Seltzer pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh summer salads
• Soft cheeses and charcuterie
• Grilled chicken
• Fresh berries and light desserts

Variations

Make It Extra Sparkling

Increase the soda water to 3 or 4 oz for a longer, lighter cocktail with plenty of bubbles.

Make It Sweeter

Add ¼ oz simple syrup or berry syrup. Taste first, as Merri Berri Cider already brings fruit and sweetness to the cocktail.

Make It a Batch

For 8 cocktails, combine 8 oz Cowichan Vodka and 4 oz fresh lemon juice in a pitcher. When you’re ready to serve, add 24 oz Merri Berri Cider. Pour over ice and top each glass with approximately 2 oz soda water.

Make It Extra Berry

Muddle two or three raspberries or blackberries in the bottom of the wine glass before adding ice. This adds more fresh berry flavour and colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Merri Berri Seltzer ahead of time?

You can combine the Cowichan Vodka and lemon juice ahead of time and refrigerate. Add the Merri Berri Cider and soda water immediately before serving to preserve the bubbles.

Can I substitute the soda water?

Yes. Plain sparkling water works well. Avoid strongly flavoured sparkling waters that could compete with the berry and apple flavours.

Can I make this cocktail for a crowd?

Yes. Batch the vodka and lemon juice in advance, then add the cider shortly before serving and top individual glasses with soda water.

More Merridale Cocktails

If you enjoyed the Merri Berri Seltzer, try:

• Traditional Tea
• Mo’Tini
• Raspberry Daiquiri

Visit Merridale

Want to leave the mixing to us? Visit Merridale in the Cowichan Valley to explore our craft cider, small-batch spirits and seasonal cocktails, or stop by the Farmhouse to take home the ingredients and recreate your favourites.