Blackberry Gin Cocktail

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This Blackberry Gin Cocktail made with blackberry simple syrup, gin, lemon juice, and ginger beer, is the perfect refreshing summer drink!

A dark pink cocktail in a glass with blackberries.

How do you make a cocktail ode to summer?

Blackberry simple syrup is the first thing you need to know. Second, fill a glass with ice and add dreamy syrup, gin, lemon juice, and ginger beer.

The truth is, infused simple syrups, like in this hibiscus cocktail, give a classic cocktail such a fun twist. With seasonal ingredients, the combinations are endless.

This summer drink is a take on the traditional Tom Collins. Light, refreshing, and fizzy, this variation blends traditional ingredients with blackberry and ginger flavors. A perfect drink for hot summer days.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients and substitutions
Step-by-step ingredients
Recipe tips
FAQs
More summer cocktail recipes
📖 Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

Refreshing drink
Uses homemade blackberry syrup
Perfect for the summer months

Ingredients and substitutions

Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below.

Ingredients to make a cocktail in separate small bowls.

Fresh blackberries - Using this in-season fresh berry as our main ingredient, this fruity cocktail will be full of blackberry flavor.

Gin - I recommend using London dry gin but feel free to play around with other gins and their flavor profiles. Don't have gin on hand? This recipe works great with vodka too. Make it a vodka cocktail!

Ginger beer - A good ginger beer adds a bit of sweetness, bite, and bubbly. Don't have ginger beer? Top it off with ginger ale, club soda, or sparkling water instead. Keep in mind ginger ale is sweeter than ginger beer.

Honey or Organic cane sugar - You can go two different ways here. Honey lends its own subtle sweetness, but if you prefer to use organic cane sugar (a vegan option) instead of honey syrup, you can do that too. Agave nectar can be substituted as well, just keep in mind it is more sweet.

Lemon juice - Fresh lemon juice ties everything together and balances its tart flavor with the sweet flavors. Fresh lime juice can be substituted.

Step-by-step ingredients

Before you start: Get out all ingredients and glasses.

Step 1: In a small saucepan, add water, honey, and blackberries. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until honey has dissolved into water. Once berries start to break apart when gently pressed with the back of a wooden spoon, remove from heat and allow to cool.

Step 2: Strain through a fine mesh sieve into an airtight container.

Gin being poured into a cocktail shaker.

Step 3: Place ice, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Strain and pour into an ice-filled Collins or old-fashioned glass. Top with ginger beer.

Step 4: Garnish with fresh berries and a lemon slice if desired.

Recipe tips

Store the extra homemade simple syrup in a clean and sterilized bottle or container. There will be extra to make another blackberry cocktail recipe (think blackberry bramble, blackberry mojito, or a bourbon smash!).

Two glasses with dark pink liquid and blackberries as garnish.

FAQs

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this blackberry gin cocktail?

Yes! Omit the gin and add a little extra ginger beer for an easy mocktail version.

What kind of glassware do I need for this blackberry cocktail?

You can use a Collins glass or an old-fashioned glass (or rocks glass) are the best way to serve this cocktail.

For another light and refreshing cocktail, check out Sherrie's cucumber basil martini! Or for more infused syrup inspiration, check out this lavender simple syrup.

More summer cocktail recipes

Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!

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