Blackberry Vodka Gimlet

Recipe from Margaritas, Mojitos & More  

Husband-Tested in Alice's Kitchen

(Makes 1 drink) Easily doubled :-)

Last week, we went blackberry picking with our good buddies, Janet and Nathan. Most of the berries ended up in the freezer. I was dying to make a pie with them, but my hubby didn't want to heat up the house with the oven on. (Hmmmmm. Heat or Sweet. I was surprised with his decision.) Anyway, I went on a girlie shopping trip in Louisville and found this book with drink recipes. Lo and behold, there was this blackberry drink recipe and I thought, "No oven for this treat." We tried it out on our friends and we all found it to be deeeeelicious! I'm sure you can leave out the alcohol if you wish and it would still be refreshingly yummy. Lost River Market & Deli now has local blackberries, so make plans to whip this up and take a moment to relax and enjoy this glorious summer heat!

5 large blackberries

1 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon Simple Syrup (recipe on this blog) (I used a bit more)

Ice cubes

1-ounce vodka (I used a bit less)

1 sprig mint for garnish

Combine the blackberries, lime juice, and simple syrup in a glass. Crush the berries with a muddler or spoon until they are mashed into the mixture. (You can do this with an immersion blender, if you have one.)

Put a handful of ice in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka and the blackberry mixture over the ice. Shake until very cold.

Pour into a glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Note:  To have it ready in advance for four dinner guests, quadruple the recipe and leave the blackberry mixture in the fridge until it’s time to mix with the ice and serve.

Minty Limeade

makes ABOUT 2 QUARTS Makes 8 servings

Recipe from Food52.com

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Start by making mint infused simple syrup. You’ll end up with plenty more than this recipe calls for, but that’s great if you make lots of iced tea or other cold beverages which need a bit of sweetening.  Mint simple syrup can keep for a while in the fridge. Then fill your glasses with ice, a bit of fresh lime juice, mint simple syrup and club soda and you’ve got yourself a refreshing summer drink.  If you're so inclined (as I was) try adding a splash of vodka.

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, washed with stems removed

1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice or lemon juice

ice

club soda

vodka (optional)

Make mint simple syrup by combining sugar, water, and mint in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil then immediately allowing it to simmer for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Strain the leaves.

To assemble the limeade, add about 1 ounce each of the simple syrup and lime juice in a tall glass filled with ice.  Add ½ ounce to 1 ounce of vodka, if using. Top with about 6 ounces of club soda. Stir. Garnish with fresh mint or a lime wedge.

Try making up the syrup and freezing the extra in ice cube trays.