Summer gatherings call for refreshing drinks that bring people together. The perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors makes this blackberry bourbon lemonade a top choice for backyard parties and casual get-togethers. This simple cocktail combines fresh blackberries, smooth bourbon, and tangy lemonade to create a beautiful purple drink that serves 4-6 people in under 10 minutes.
Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and a stunning color to this seasonal cocktail. The muddled blackberries release their juice and mix with the bourbon’s warm notes to make each sip both bright and complex. A splash of club soda gives it a light, fizzy finish that keeps guests coming back for more.
Anyone can make this drink look like it came from an upscale bar. The recipe needs just a few basic ingredients and tools found in most home kitchens. The purple-red color and garnishes of fresh blackberries and lemon wheels make it beautiful enough for photos.
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Collins glass
- Ice cube tray
- Measuring jigger
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves and extra blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- Add blackberries to the shaker and muddle until they release their juices.
- Pour bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15-20 seconds.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
- Double strain the mixture into the glass to remove berry seeds.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and mint leaves.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade delivers a sweet and tart flavor profile that blends fresh fruit with aged spirits. The bourbon adds warm notes of vanilla and caramel that mix with the bright citrus taste.
Fresh blackberries bring a rich berry sweetness and deep purple color to the drink. Their natural tartness works with the lemon juice to create a balanced cocktail that isn’t too sweet.
First Sip: Sweet blackberry and lemon hit the tongue, followed by warm bourbon notes.
Mid-Palate: The bourbon’s oak and vanilla flavors emerge while the fruit stays present.
Finish: A clean, citrus ending with lingering bourbon warmth.
The drink stays refreshing even with its rich flavors. Ice keeps it cold and slightly dilutes the strong bourbon taste, making it perfect for summer days.
Garnishing with fresh blackberries and lemon wheels adds fresh fruit aromas that enhance each sip. The garnish also makes the purple-red cocktail look great in the glass.
Temperature affects the taste. As the ice melts, the drink becomes smoother and more mellow. The blackberry and lemon flavors remain strong even as it gets less boozy.
Substitute
No blackberries? Fresh blackberries can be replaced with frozen ones. Let them thaw before muddling. Raspberries or blueberries work great too.
The bourbon can be swapped for whiskey or dark rum. For a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice mixed with a splash of vanilla extract.
Regular lemonade works instead of fresh-squeezed lemons and simple syrup. Use 4 ounces of prepared lemonade per drink.
For a different sweetener, maple syrup or honey can replace simple syrup. Start with half the amount since these are sweeter than simple syrup.
Garnish alternatives:
- Lemon wheels
- Mint sprigs
- Orange slices
- Fresh herbs
For a stronger berry flavor, add 1/2 ounce of blackberry liqueur. This works well when using frozen berries.
Want it bubbly? Top with 2 ounces of club soda or ginger ale. This makes the drink lighter and adds sparkle.
