About Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
On a hot summer day, it’s hard to find something more refreshing than a tall glass of lemonade.
Well, that is, unless you add a dash of bourbon to said lemonade. That would hit the spot.
And if you’re going to add bourbon, you might as well go crazy and add a dash of fruit syrup. Like a homemade syrup made with blackberries, perhaps.
If you couldn’t already tell, I recently had a delicious blackberry bourbon lemonade at a restaurant and I was so obsessed with it that I simply had to try making it at home. Because it was just as refreshing as it sounds, and since I’m in Phoenix, I’ve got plenty of hot summer days ahead of me to look forward to. I need to be prepared with as many cool beverage options I can find.
This homemade fruity bourbon lemonade will do the job nicely.
Which bourbon should you use?
I’m always hesitant to answer these questions because, for one, I know there are plenty of bourbons out there that I haven’t personally tried, so who’s to say if I really know the “best” one. And for two, what is considered good can be so different from person to person, whether it’s about taste or price point or just plain ‘ol loyalty to a brand you trust.
BUT, there are a few bourbons I can point you to so that you have somewhere to start. I know these bourbons both from experience and word-of-mouth, so you can trust that they’ll get the job done.
How do you make blackberry bourbon lemonade?
For this recipe, it’s broken down into two parts:
- Making your own blackberry syrup (don’t worry, it’s easy!)
- Mixing the drink.
Since I’m sure you’re curious about the blackberry syrup, here’s how to make it:
Step 1 – Add blackberries, water, sugar, and rosemary to a medium saucepan. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until blackberries begin to break down.
Step 2 – Hold a strainer over a bowl and pour blackberry mixture in the strainer. Use a spatula to press the blackberries into the mesh, squeezing out any remaining juice.
Step 3 – Let mixture cool, then use blackberry syrup in this bourbon lemonade (or other treats!) as desired.
And that’s it!
From there, all you need to do is mix the drink together.
Notes & tips for this bourbon lemonade
- Like the glasses pictured in this post? I found them at a discount store ages ago, but this set of champagne flute glasses with silver designs is similar and includes a few other designs as well.
- If you’re in the mood for spiked lemonade, be sure to check out this Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade as well!
More recipes with bourbon
Recipe Details
Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
This blackberry bourbon lemonade takes the taste of lemonade and spikes it with a bite of bourbon and a sweet homemade blackberry syrup. It's perfect for cooling down on hot summer evenings or just a refreshing change from classic lemonade.
Ingredients
Instructions
For the Blackberry Syrup
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add blackberries, rosemary, sugar, and water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then let cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until blackberries have broken down and the liquid has been reduced by half. Once ready, remove saucepan from heat.
Hold a strainer over a large bowl and pour the blackberry syrup through the strainer. Use a spatula to press the blackberry mixture into the strainer, breaking down the remaining blackberries and squeezing out any remaining juice.
- Discard any pieces of blackberry or rosemary that remain in the strainer.
- Transfer finished blackberry syrup to a storage container. Syrup can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For the Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
- In a large pitcher, add bourbon, lemon juice, blackberry syrup, and sparkling lemonade. Stir well.
- Serve blackberry bourbon lemonade immediately with frozen blackberries and slices of lemon for garnish.
Recipe Notes
Recipe lightly adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.
its looking so good and yummy keep it up.