Blackberry Lemon Gin & Tonic
I will admit, I didn't set out to make a cocktail for the blog this week. I just happened to have 2 mint plants sitting around, begging to be used. And while there are many recipes that call for mint, I kept thinking about the upcoming Kentucky Derby. While a mint julep would be fun (and expected), I wanted to do something else. This is sort of a twist on a Tom Collins, using lemon instead of lime and adding tasty blackberries and mint. This takes the classic gin and tonic to a whole new level. If you're not a gin fan or unsure, the gin cleverly hides beneath the berry and lemon flavors, but careful - these can be dangerous! Only in a good way of course. :)
INGREDIENTS (MAKES 4 COCKTAILS):
- 12 blackberries
- 20 mint leaves (Extra for garnish)
- 2 lemons (Extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup simply syrup
- 12 ounces Hendrix Gin
- Tonic water
- Ice
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine 3 blackberries, 5 mint leaves and juice from 1/2 of lemon and 1 tablespoon of simple syrup in each of your four cocktail glasses, preferably high ball glasses.
2. Muddle ingredients until combined and berries and fully crushed.
3. Fill each glass to the top with ice.
4. Add 3 ounces of gin and stir.
5. Top with tonic water and garnish with a slice of lemon, blackberry and mint leaves.
Photo by Jonathan Stiers ©2016 | Recipe from Spoon For Bacon
