Gin Cupcakes

Homemade Pink Gin and Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe

These sophisticated cupcakes blend the floral notes of premium pink gin with the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries. Each bite offers a moist, buttery sponge finished with a silky, gin-infused buttercream that is perfect for celebrations or a stylish afternoon tea.

Pink Gin and Raspberry Cupcakes
Prep
20 min
Bake
20 min
Serves
12
Level
Medium
Per serving
385 kcal

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.

  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth emulsion.

  4. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder, alternating with 2 tablespoons of pink gin, until just combined.

  5. Carefully fold the fresh raspberries into the batter, taking care not to crush them too much.

  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  7. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

  8. For the frosting, beat the remaining butter with powdered sugar and the rest of the pink gin until light and airy.

  9. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and garnish with an extra raspberry or botanical sprinkles.

Notes from the kitchen

Dust the raspberries in a tiny bit of flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.

Use a high-quality pink gin with strong floral or strawberry notes to ensure the flavor carries through the bake.

Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature for both the sponge and the frosting to avoid lumps.

Questions

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but do not thaw them first as they will bleed too much juice into the batter; use them straight from the freezer.
Will the alcohol cook off in the oven?
The alcohol in the cupcake sponge will mostly evaporate, but the gin in the frosting remains alcoholic, so these are for adults only.
How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I make these without the gin?
Certainly; simply replace the gin with an equal amount of milk and a teaspoon of raspberry extract for a non-alcoholic version.

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