This blackberry gin smash cocktail is so simple to make and will become your favorite refreshing summer cocktail! Only 6 ingredients and naturally sweetened.

Side view image of glass of blackberry gin smash on wooden board with blackberries on board and another glass in the distance

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Ingredients
How to make a blackberry gin cocktail
Top tips
More cocktail recipes
Recipe

This is my summer of cocktails.

I realized a few months ago that this blog was seriously lacking in the drink department. In order to remedy that I've been trying to share a bonus easy cocktail recipe every few weeks, and it has been so much fun!

When it comes to going out, I'm a total cocktail snob. I only want the most interesting, well-crafted cocktails - that means no sweet soda in my Old Fashioned thankyouverymuch.

image of gin being poured into glass with blackberry and blackberries on the table

One way that I'm super picky about my cocktails is that I really don't like drinking processed sugar. It just doesn't leave me feeling great and I know it isn't very good for me.

My answer to this dilemma is raw honey in place of simple syrup. It adds sweetness and flavor without being overpowering. It's also a natural match for summer's best berries!

topview image of wooden board with two glasses filled with blackberry gin smash and honey on the board with blackberries

Ingredients

Blackberries
Mint
Lime
Honey
Gin
Club soda

How to make a blackberry gin cocktail

In a heavy bottomed glass, muddle together blackberries, mint, and lime until they have released all their juices.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean rocks glass, being sure to press out all the liquid with the back of a spoon.
Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
Add the gin and a handful of crushed ice.
Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint, a blackberry, and/or a slice of honeycomb if desired.

wooden board with raw honey and blackberries. Topview of glass cup with whole ingredients and masher

Top tips

How to make a smash cocktail

You have three options for the smash portion of this drink.

Muddle then strain - I like to muddle the berries, lime, and mint in a glass and then strain it through a f ine mesh sieve (affiliate link) into another glass so I'm not drinking big chunks of blackberry seed or pulling mint out of my teeth.

Cocktail shaker - If you have a cocktail shaker you could also do this step in there and then strain it into your glass. Depending on your shaker this could still let a few seeds through into your beautiful drink.

side view image of straining blackberries over glass cup with gin in the background

Muddle, don't strain - The third option, which I also fully support, is to muddle it in the glass you're going to drink it in and just deal with the debris. You will have a lot of stuff floating around in your drink, but they'll also be wholesome, tasty bits of goodness. This is definitely the way to go if you're in a hurry and just don't feel like dirtying more dishes.

Picking the best ingredients

I'm eagerly waiting for the blackberries to ripen around here (my foraging obsession is REAL this summer), but in the meantime these plump store-bought berries worked beautifully! In season berries will always have the best flavor.

I also chose to go with a full slab of honeycomb which is not technically necessary or practical but is super fun and incredibly delicious. Honeycomb is becoming more readily available in many grocery stores near the regular honey. You could also swap it for this honey simple syrup.

As far as gin goes, I chose Prairie Organic Gin, but you could use your favorite. I recommend a top shelf brand like Tanqueray or Sapphire.

knife with honey dripping into glass cup of blackberry juice with gin bottle in background

Tips for customizing this blackberry gin smash

Use whatever fresh berries you have on hand such as raspberries or blueberries

Swap the honey for simple syrup, honey simple syrup, maple syrup, or agave, adjusting to taste as necessary

Use vodka in place of the gin

Use a shaker to muddle, mix, and strain your drink

If you don't own a muddler, use the end of a large wooden spoon

Use 2 ounces of gin if you prefer a stronger drink

More cocktail recipes

If you make this recipe be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!

close up side view of blackberry gin smash

Recipe

Blackberry Gin Smash

Blackberries, mint, and lime muddled together and mixed with raw honey and organic gin.

4.16 from 13 votes

Print Pin Rate Save

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: drink

Calories: 138kcal

Author: Lindsay Moe

Ingredients

Instructions

In a heavy bottomed glass, muddle together blackberries, mint, and lime until they have released all their juices.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean rocks glass, being sure to press out all the liquid with the back of a spoon.
Add the honey and stir until dissolved.
Add the gin and a handful of crushed ice.
Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of mint, a blackberry, and/or a slice of honeycomb if desired.