Blackberry Vodka Smash Cocktail Recipe

Sweet blackberries and smooth vodka create a perfect summer cocktail that’s ready in minutes.

This refreshing blackberry vodka smash combines fresh muddled blackberries, mint leaves, lime juice, and vodka for a simple yet impressive drink.

Making this cocktail takes basic ingredients and simple steps.

The bright purple color and fresh mint garnish make it look fancy enough for parties but easy enough for casual evenings at home.

The recipe works well with either fresh or frozen blackberries, so you can enjoy it any time of year.

The natural sweetness of ripe blackberries means you can adjust the sugar to taste or leave it out completely for a less sweet version.

Tasting Notes

This blackberry vodka smash has a bright, fresh taste with a sweet-tart balance. The blackberries give the drink a deep purple color and natural berry sweetness.

Fresh mint adds a cooling touch and clean aroma that works well with the crisp vodka base. The lemon juice brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness.

When properly muddled, the blackberries release their juices and create a smooth, fruit-forward cocktail. The drink starts sweet on the front of the tongue and finishes with subtle mint notes.

Light carbonation from the club soda creates tiny bubbles that dance on the tongue. This adds a refreshing effervescence without watering down the drink’s berry-forward character.

Key flavor elements:

• Sweet blackberry
• Cool mint
• Zesty lemon
• Clean vodka
• Light bubbles

The drink’s texture is smooth with small pieces of muddled fruit. Ice keeps it properly chilled and slightly diluted to the right strength.

Substitutes

A simple way to change this cocktail is to swap blackberries for other berries. Raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries work great in this drink.

Don’t have vodka? Gin makes an excellent replacement. The botanical notes pair well with fresh berries and herbs.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Add a splash of lime juice to keep the tart flavor balance.

Fresh mint can be replaced with basil or thyme. These herbs add different but pleasant flavors to the drink.

No fresh berries? Use 1 ounce of berry preserves instead. Strain the drink before serving to remove any chunks.

Simple syrup alternatives include:

• Honey
• Agave nectar
• Maple syrup
• Sugar-free syrup

For a spicy twist, add 2-3 thin slices of jalapeño while muddling the berries. Remove them before serving.