~ Blackberry, Lime and Mint Spritzers~
It’s summertime and the living is easy. And what better way to enjoy the sultry season than with a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink? During this window of time when berries are prolific, I like to make a syrup which I add to drinks. Depending on the mood or time of day, I’ll stir a few spoonfuls of the vibrant, tangy syrup into icy glasses of Prosecco or sparkling water. If we’re feeling extra festive, I’ll muddle a jigger-full with mint, lime and rum and call it a mojito. The following recipes call for blackberries, but raspberries are a great substitute. And if you’re lucky enough to have a bunch of black currants growing in your garden, then go for it.
Blackberry Syrup
Makes about 1 cup.
12 ounces blackberries
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until blackberries soften and release their juices, about 10 minutes. Cool. Purée in a food processor, then strain through a fine-meshed sieve. Discard the seeds.
Blackberry Spritzers
Makes 1
Ice cubes
1 part blackberry syrup
2 parts sparkling water, white wine or Proscecco
Lime wedge and mint leaves for garnish
Fill a wine or cocktail glass with ice. Add syrup and sparkling water. Stir. Garnish with lime and mint.
Blackberry Mojito
Makes 1
1/2 lime, cut in 4 wedges
2 sprigs mint, plus extra leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) blackberry syrup
Crushed ice
1.5 ounces white rum
Sparkling water
1-2 blackberries for garnish
Muddle 2 lime wedges, mint sprigs and syrup together in a sturdy highball glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Pour rum over ice. Top with sparkling water to taste. Garnish with whole blackberries, remaining lime wedges and mint.
This really looks refreshing!!
Refreshing and delicious!
Cheers,
Rosa
I like the idea of blackberries, an under-rated berry, in my opinion.
I’ll have to try this it sounds great
MMMMmmmmm – blackberry mojitos might just crop up in my house sometime soon!
Sounds totally awsome
Mojitos are my favorite mixed drink above all. I love your version with blackberries, and fun ice cubes! Hope you are well – would love to get together when I’m in the Bay area in the fall!