Blackberry Gin and Tonic Recipe

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Kelly Carámbula

Blackberries and lime form the backbone of this simple gin-based summer sipper.

When the markets are overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables and full of vibrant colors this time of year, I'm always drawn to the deep, dark hue of blackberries. They feel like the mysterious, moody fruit in a gang of do-gooders. After bringing home a basket of those little rebels, I decided it was time to escape from the heat and whip up a cocktail.

The sharp, tart flavor of a classic gin and tonic is a perfect pairing for ripe blackberries. I muddled some of the berries, adding a little simple syrup to round off the drink with a little sweetness. The resulting cocktail is a lush, deep red color that keeps a sense of mystery—it looks intense, but instead is rather refreshing. It's the kind of drink that would stand out in a crowd.

Note: To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using. Simple syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe Details

Blackberry Gin and Tonic Recipe

Active 5 mins
Total 5 mins
Serves 1 serving

Ingredients

  • 8 ripe blackberries, plus 2 more for garnish

  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

  • 1 ounce simple syrup (see notes)

  • 1 1/2 ounces gin

  •  2 to 3 ounces tonic water

Directions

  1. Muddle the blackberries and lime juice in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and add simple syrup and gin. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.

  2. Fill a Collins glass with ice. Double-strain into serving glass using a cocktail strainer and mini fine-mesh strainer to prevent the blackberry seeds from going into the glass. Add tonic water and stir gently. Garnish with a few blackberries on a skewer.

Special Equipment

cocktail shaker and strainer, fine-mesh mini strainer, muddler

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
196 Calories
0g Fat
25g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 196
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 9mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 21g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 17mg 85%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 114mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)