Summer parties need a special drink that stands out. This blackberry basil rum cooler brings fresh flavors and a fun purple color to any gathering.
The mix of sweet blackberries, fresh basil leaves, and smooth white rum creates a balanced cocktail that’s easy to make at home.
The recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and uses simple ingredients from the grocery store.
The bright taste of muddled blackberries pairs great with garden-fresh basil and a splash of lime juice.
This drink works well for both casual backyard barbecues and fancy dinner parties.
The purple color and green basil garnish make it pretty to look at, while the taste keeps guests coming back for more.
Blackberry Basil Rum Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Collins glass
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Extra blackberries and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Add blackberries and basil leaves to the cocktail shaker.
- Muddle gently until the berries release their juice.
- Pour in the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Then, fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Finally, garnish with fresh blackberries and a basil leaf.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Basil Rum Cooler begins with sweet, dark berry notes followed by a bright herbal kick from fresh basil.
The dark rum adds warm caramel and vanilla undertones.
Fresh lime juice brings a zesty, citrus punch that cuts through the sweetness of the blackberries. The combination creates a balanced drink that’s not too sweet or too tart.
Bubbles from club soda add a light, refreshing quality. They lift the drink’s flavors and create a pleasant fizzy texture on the tongue.
The cocktail’s color is a deep purple-red, making it visually striking in the glass. A garnish of fresh blackberries and basil leaves adds extra aroma with each sip.
Temperature Note: This cocktail tastes best very cold, served over plenty of ice. The flavors become muted as the drink warms up.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary: Blackberry, basil
- Secondary: Rum, lime
- Finish: Light, bubbly, herbaceous
The drink has a medium body – not too thick or thin. Each ingredient remains distinct while creating a unified flavor experience.
Substitute
You can make this drink without blackberries or basil and still get a tasty result. Fresh raspberries or blueberries work well in place of blackberries.
Fresh mint leaves make a good stand-in for basil. The mint adds a bright, cooling flavor that pairs nicely with rum.
Don’t have white rum? Dark rum or spiced rum will change the flavor but still taste great. For a non-alcoholic version, use coconut water or club soda instead of rum.
Lime juice can replace lemon juice at a 1:1 ratio. The drink will be slightly more tart but equally refreshing.
Simple syrup alternatives:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
- Sugar (dissolve in the liquid first)
Fresh fruit is best. However, frozen berries work too. Just let them thaw for 15 minutes before muddling.
