Summer calls for refreshing drinks that blend sweet and tart flavors. This Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade adds a grown-up twist to a classic summer drink.
The perfect mix of fresh blackberries, bourbon, and homemade lemonade creates a cool purple cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass. The dark berries give the drink a beautiful color while adding natural sweetness.
The recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and works great for backyard parties or lazy afternoons by the pool.
The ingredients are simple and the steps are easy enough for any home bartender to follow.
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Collins glass
- Measuring jigger
- Ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh blackberries and lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Add blackberries to the cocktail shaker. Muddle them until they release their juices.
- Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The first sip brings a bold blend of sweet blackberry and rich bourbon. These flavors mix perfectly with the bright, tart lemon juice to create a balanced taste.
Fresh blackberries add a natural sweetness that complements the warm, oaky notes from the bourbon. The fruit’s subtle tartness pairs nicely with the citrus.
The bourbon’s caramel and vanilla undertones shine through without overpowering the other ingredients. A gentle hint of spice remains on the palate after each sip.
Ice helps mellow the drink and brings out the refreshing qualities. As the ice melts, the flavors stay consistent without becoming watered down.
The cocktail stays smooth from start to finish. Its flavors work together instead of competing, making it easy to enjoy on warm days or cool evenings.
Flavor Profile:
- Sweet:Â Blackberry, vanilla
- Tart:Â Lemon, berry
- Warm:Â Bourbon, caramel
- Crisp:Â Ice, citrus
Substitute
No blackberries? Fresh or frozen raspberries make a tasty swap. Use 1 cup of raspberries instead of blackberries for a similar berry flavor.
Don’t have bourbon? Try whiskey or rye. These spirits blend well with the berries and lemon juice. Dark rum can work too, giving the drink a sweeter note.
Want it non-alcoholic? Skip the bourbon and add extra lemonade or club soda. The drink stays refreshing without the spirits.
Quick swaps for other ingredients:
- Fresh lemon juice → Bottled lemon juice
- Simple syrup → Honey or agave nectar
- Club soda → Sprite or ginger ale
- Fresh mint → 2-3 drops mint extract
Make it sweeter by adding more simple syrup. Add 1/2 ounce at a time and taste until it’s right.
Going sugar-free? Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
