Cocktail of the Week: Blackberry Cooler

I am the seasonal king. It's summer, so I'm using fresh herbs, berries and farmers market finds. Oh...did you think I was talking about cooking? Nope. Cocktails.

Here's one that uses the blackberries hitting their peak right about now.




Blackberry Cooler
Makes one cocktail.

4 mint leaves
4 blackberries
2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup (Adjust lemon juice and simple syrup to your taste after the first one.)

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint and blackberries. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup and a little ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a mint sprig.

(Note: For a lighter cocktail, use a bigger glass and top with club soda.)

Refreshing.