This blackberry gin smash cocktail is so simple to make and will become your favorite refreshing summer cocktail! Only 6 ingredients and naturally sweetened.
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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.
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!
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.
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 fine 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.
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.
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
- Gin and Tonic
- Sparkling Greyhound
- Mojito Pitcher
- Spiced Screwdriver Cocktail
- Vegas Bomb
- Buttery Nipple
- Lemon Drop Shot
- Pineapple Margarita
- Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
- Christmas Gin Cocktail
If you make this recipe be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Blackberry Gin Smash
Ingredients
- 8 blackberries
- 3 fresh mint leaves
- ½ lime, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1 ½ ounces Prairie Organic Gin
- Club soda
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.
Carolyn says
This looks amazing, I absolutely love the color, so pretty!
Megan @ MegUprocessed says
This looks so delicious and refreshing! My hubby would love this too!
Lindsay Moe says
Thanks Megan!