Drinking in Season: Blueberries + Bourbon
As strawberries begin to wind down, blueberries are taking their place. Their flavor transforms from slightly tart at the beginning of the season to a slightly sweeter berry as the season progresses.
I've taken to smashing a few blueberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, then adding bourbon, lemon and simple syrup, then giving it a good shake. Once the whole thing has been strained into a glass, I like to lighten it a with a bit of seltzer and a squeeze of lemon peel. The bourbon packs a nice punch, but the blueberries and syrup add a complimentary sweetness to the drink. I like to think of it as the Old Fashioned's slimmed-down summer look.
About the author: Kelly Carámbula blogs about her adventures in the kitchen, including a weekly happy hour, on eat make read. She is also the founder and publisher of Remedy Quarterly, an independent food magazine.
Special equipment: Cocktail shaker, muddler
Ingredients
yield: 1, active time 5 minutes, total time 5 minutes
- 6 blueberries
- Ice
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Splash seltzer water
- Garnish: 2-inch lemon twist, 2 blueberries on toothpick
Procedures
-
1
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blueberries until the juices are released and the berries are crushed. Fill shaker with ice. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Cover and shake well.
-
2
Strain into a rocks glass. Top with a splash of seltzer water.
-
3
Gently squeeze the lemon twist over the drink and drop into the glass. Garnish with 2 blueberries on a toothpick.
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