This bashful blueberry cocktail is a bit of a mash up between things like a Manhattan, a whisky sour and a whisky smash, but the end result is a really refreshing cocktail that's perfect for summer.
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For me, a summer cocktail needs some fresh flavors in there and should be nice and cold. Berries and herbs fit in there perfectly, or even both.
This cocktail has a decent level of alcohol in there, but it is also refreshing from the blueberry, lemon and hint of basil. You could have it as a short drink just over ice if you like, but I think it works best topped up with soda for a more refreshing, longer drink.
I debated about using a few different berries in this drink, but in the end decided to keep it simple with blueberry. That said, I'm sure you could use this same base with a range of berries ( eg strawberry, raspberries and blackberry) for slight variations on the theme. The rest of the flavors will complement the berries perfectly.
I used basil in my basil peach margarita and love the fresh flavor it adds to a drink. It seemed a great choice to add in here, too.
How it's made
I've called this the bashful blueberry since the berries are gently smashed in the glass with the basil leaves. Next add in the lemon, sugar and spirits and give it a stir. Add some ice then top up with soda water. You'll see I'm using vermouth again, as I did in my blushing rose vermouth cocktail. Yes, I have a soft spot for the slightly under-appreciated drink but it's flavor also going really well here.
This bashful blueberry cocktail is easy, refreshing and with a great flavor. It's definitely being added to my summer drinking list - add it to yours!
Try these other summery cocktails:
- Raspberry collins cocktail
- Cava sangria
- Grilled peach mojito
- Plus get more cocktail recipes in the archives.
The bashful blueberry cocktail
Ingredients
- ¼ cup blueberries 4tbsp
- 4 basil leaves
- 1 oz lemon juice 2tbsp
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup whiskey 2oz/60ml, suggest Irish but can be bourbon or a non-peaty Scotch whisky
- ½ cup dry white vermouth 4oz/120ml
- ½ cup soda water 4oz/120ml , approx
Instructions
- Divide the blueberries and basil between two glasses. Muddle them together until the blueberries are well broken up.
- Add 1tbsp lemon juice, ½tsp sugar, 1oz whiskey and 2oz vermouth to each glass and mix. If you have time, it's worth chilling the mixture at this point to allow the flavors to mingle a little better. Around an hour would be great, but if you can't you can still serve immediately.
- When ready to serve, add 2-3 ice cubes to each glass and top up with soda water.
Nutrition
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Curtis Swartzentruber says
This is nice and refreshing. We had some fresh blueberries, so I was looking for a cocktail with blueberries. I used rye since we didn't have Irish handy. I added a dash of Regan's orange bitters and quite like that addition. Cheers.
Caroline's Cooking says
Glad you enjoyed!
Milena | Craft Beering says
Love this cocktail and we always have Irish whiskey at home (Chris has Irish ancestors and I used to live there). The touch of basil just makes the whole drink so fragrant.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Milena - indeed, basil is great in drinks. Enjoy!
Melissa @ Insider The Kitchen says
Congratulations, Caroline! A toast with this beautiful cocktail id definitely well deserved. I can’t think of a better way to kick off summer!