Just when this crowd-pleasing berry drink from Houston bartender Michael Neff heats things up—hi there, ginger beer—it starts to cool things down, thanks to muddled cucumber and mint. The contrast comes out in every sip. I find myself quickly taking another sip and meeting the bottom of the glass way too soon. Feel more like gin tonight? This drink will happily swing that way too.
Many folks are intimidated by the idea of simple syrup. It’s time to get over our fears: no one wants a grainy mouthful of sugar in their drink. Plus, making simple syrup is actually crazy easy, especially if you happen to have a resealable jar (such as a mason jar) around. For 1:1 simple syrup, add equal parts sugar and hot water, seal, and shake until dissolved. Let cool before using and store for up to several weeks in the fridge.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Preparation
Muddle blackberries, cucumber, and mint in the smaller half of a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 12 seconds. Double-strain into an ice-filled collins glass, pour the ginger beer down the side of the glass, and give it a brief, gentle stir. Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber wheel, plus a straw if you have one.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
61 Cucumber Recipes to Make Your Meals More Crisp, Crunchy, and Cooling
Nothing's cooler than a cucumber.11 Ginger Beer Cocktails to Spice Up Your Happy Hour
Want an easy drink with a lot of punch? Just crack open a bottle of ginger beer.47 Summer Cocktails to Put You in a Sunny Mood
Chill out with these easy-drinking summer favorites.37 Brunch Cocktails, Because Every Weekend Should Be a Celebration
Brunch at home always beats waiting in line—and when you’re hosting, the brunch cocktails can just keep flowing.23 Easy Vodka Cocktails for Your Next Happy Hour
Variations on the Bloody Mary? Yes. But lots more too.11 Summer Vodka Drinks to Keep You Refreshed
Because no one wants a hot martini.33 Blackberry Recipes for Summer's Best Desserts, Drinks, and More
These luscious tarts, cobblers, and cocktails are worth any thorns you might encounter in the blackberry patch.65 Father's Day Cocktails
Make dad drinks, not dad jokes.What to Cook This Labor Day Weekend: August 31 - September 3
Grilled chicken, grilled steak, grilled corn...and, fine, some recipes you *don't* need the grill for. (Happy Labor Day!)
