Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail? The Blueberry Gin Smash combines fresh blueberries, aromatic gin, and zesty lemon for a drink that’s just about perfect for warm evenings.

This simple cocktail requires only five ingredients and takes less than five minutes to prepare.

The vibrant purple hue makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. The natural sweetness of muddled blueberries balances with the botanical notes in the gin, so the drink isn’t overly sweet.

This recipe works for both casual gatherings and special occasions. You can make one for yourself or scale it up if you’re playing bartender for a crowd.

Try it at your next barbecue or dinner party—it’s almost guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Blueberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail brings together the botanical notes of gin, sweet-tart blueberries, and a splash of citrus. It’s easy enough for summer get-togethers or just a relaxing evening at home.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 oz gin London Dry recommended
1/4 cup fresh blueberries about 15-20 berries
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
5-6 fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish

Club soda to top
Ice cubes
Lemon wheel and extra blueberries for garnish

Instructions

Drop the blueberries into your cocktail shaker and muddle them gently. You want to release the juices but not totally pulverize them.
Add the mint leaves and give them a light press with the muddler to bring out the oils.

Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Toss in some ice.
Shake it up—about 15 seconds should do—until the shaker feels cold in your hands.
Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice. Strain the mixture right over the top.

Add a splash of club soda and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish with a lemon wheel, a few blueberries, and a mint sprig. Make it look inviting!

Notes

Feel free to tweak the recipe. Want it sweeter? Add more simple syrup. Craving a stronger blueberry punch? Use more berries or muddle them with a bit more gusto.

There’s a non-alcoholic version, too—just swap the gin for cold white tea or more club soda. Frozen blueberries work if that’s what you’ve got, though the drink will be a bit colder and thicker.

This pairs nicely with light appetizers—think cheese plates or summer salads. It’s at its best right after you make it, while the club soda still has some fizz.

For parties, you can mix up a big batch of the base (minus the club soda) ahead of time. Just add soda to each glass as you serve.

Tasting Notes

The Blueberry Gin Smash is a refreshing blend of sweet and tart. The gin brings a juniper-forward base, which plays really well with the juicy blueberries.

First sip? You’ll notice the bright berry notes right away. Those fruity flavors get balanced by the herbal gin and a sharp pop of lemon juice.

It’s sweet, but not too sweet. The muddled blueberries add both flavor and a bit of texture—there’s something satisfying about that.

Flavor Profile:

Primary: Fresh blueberry, juniper
Secondary: Citrus, herbal notes
Finish: Sweet with a slight tartness

The color is a lovely purple-blue, which honestly just makes it more fun to drink. The aroma hints at berries with a backdrop of botanical gin.

Serve it well-chilled for the best experience. Cold really brings out the crispness of the gin and lets the blueberry flavor shine.

Sure, you could drink this any time of year, but it’s especially good in summer when blueberries are at their best. There’s just something about it that screams backyard or patio weather.

Substitute

You can make this cocktail with other ingredients if you don’t have everything on hand.

Here are some common substitutions:

For Blueberries:

For Gin:

Vodka
White rum
Non-alcoholic gin alternative (for a mocktail)

For Lemon Juice:

Lime juice
Orange juice (will be sweeter)

For Simple Syrup:

For Club Soda:

Tonic water (will add bitterness)

Ginger ale (will add sweetness)
Sparkling water

The drink’s going to taste a bit different with these swaps—sometimes a lot different, honestly.

Still, the basic cocktail structure hangs in there.

Try mixing things up and see what actually works for you.

Just a heads-up: changing the fruit really changes the color.

Blackberries? Expect a deeper, moodier drink.

Raspberries make it pop with bright red.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding that sweet-sour-strong balance that hits the spot.

Blueberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe