When I want a drink that tastes fresh and has a bit of a twist, I always make a blackberry bourbon lemonade.
This simple cocktail mixes sweet blackberries, sharp lemonade, and smooth bourbon for a drink that’s both fruity and bold. You don’t need fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients to make it.
Making this cocktail at home takes only a few minutes. I combine fresh blackberries, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and a splash of bourbon.
I add ice and give it a good stir for a crisp drink that’s good on any day.
If you’re looking for a new drink that’s easy but still feels special, this recipe is a great choice.
It’s simple enough for anyone to make but has a flavor that stands out.
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: This mixes the drink well.
- Muddler: It helps break down the blackberries and releases their juice.
- Measuring jigger: This keeps the bourbon and lemon juice amounts exact.
- Strainer: It removes fruit seeds and pulp before pouring the drink into a glass.
- Tall glass: I prefer a highball or Collins glass for serving.
- Bar spoon: I use this for stirring if needed.
- Ice: Cubes or crushed ice both work.
Ingredients
For one serving, I use:
- Fresh blackberries 5-6 berries
- Bourbon 2 oz 60 ml
- Lemon juice 1 oz 30 ml
- Simple syrup 0.75 oz 22 ml
- Cold water 1 oz 30 ml
- Ice As needed
- Garnish optional Lemon wheel, mint, or blackberry
Instructions
- First, I put the blackberries in the shaker and lightly mash them with the muddler.
- This helps the flavor blend into the drink.
- Next, I add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold water into the shaker.
- I fill the shaker with ice, then cover and shake for about 15 seconds.
- Shaking mixes everything and chills the drink.
- I then pour the drink through a strainer into a tall glass filled with new ice.
- If I want, I garnish with a fresh blackberry, a lemon wheel, or a sprig of mint.
This cocktail is ready to drink as soon as it’s poured.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
When I take a sip, I first notice bright lemon flavors that taste fresh and tangy.
The sweetness from ripe blackberries balances the tartness well.
The bourbon stands out next with its mellow caramel notes.
It adds warmth and a light oak flavor that does not overpower the fruit.
The drink finishes clean, with the fruit lingering on my tongue.
Sometimes, I taste a bit of bourbon’s spice at the end.
I like the way crushed ice makes it even more refreshing.
Each element blends smoothly, making the cocktail easy to drink.
If I garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh berries, the aroma feels a little brighter and more appealing.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have all the usual ingredients at home. If blackberries are missing, I’ll grab raspberries or maybe blueberries instead.
Both give the drink a slightly different vibe, but honestly, they still work pretty well.
If there’s no bourbon in my kitchen, I’ll use whiskey or rye. Sure, the flavor shifts a bit, but the drink’s still good—maybe even more interesting?
Lemon juice is kind of key for this recipe. But if I run out, I’ll go with lime juice.
The taste comes out a little sharper, but the drink keeps that fresh kick. Works in a pinch.
For sweetener, if I’m out of simple syrup, I’ll grab agave syrup or honey syrup. I just add a little, taste, and tweak until it feels right.
If alcohol’s off the table, I’ll swap out the bourbon for iced tea or ginger ale. Makes the recipe totally kid-friendly, too.