Description

A refreshing and sophisticated blackberry bourbon lemonade that balances sweet fruit with tart lemon and smooth bourbon. This recipe features a homemade blackberry syrup and is perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for syrup)
2 cups bourbon (medium-proof)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups club soda
Ice (large cubes preferred)
Garnishes: fresh blackberries, lemon wheels, optional thyme or basil

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, water, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, mashing berries to release juice.
Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on berries to extract liquid. Discard seeds and pulp.
In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and the blackberry syrup. Stir well.
Pour in the bourbon and stir gently.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
To serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the cocktail base over ice, and top with club soda.
Garnish with fresh blackberries and lemon wheels.

Notes

The blackberry syrup can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the fridge. The mixed cocktail base (without soda) keeps for 2-3 days. Do not add club soda until serving time to maintain carbonation. For a mocktail version, omit the bourbon and add extra club soda and lemon juice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Cocktails
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 180
Sugar: 18
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1

Keywords: blackberry bourbon lemonade, labor day recipe, summer cocktails, blackberry syrup, bourbon lemonade, easy cocktail, party drinks