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Blueberries + Bourbon Recipe

Kelly Carámbula
Blueberries + Bourbon Recipe

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.

  • Yield:makes 1 cocktail
  • Active time: 5 minutes
  • Total time:5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 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

Directions

  1. 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. 2.

    Strain into a rocks glass. Top with a splash of seltzer water.

  3. 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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