I’ve started a lot of articles with remarks and thoughts about the weather and appropriate drinks. This might seem a little bit redundant, but there is hardly anything more important than the seasonal context for choosing a special drink. Perhaps a particular subject, a country-typical atmosphere or a special history can also be of importance. But the primary question is all too often: What’s the current occasion I want to have this drink on? (Or which drink do I want on this current occasion?)
Well, in today’s case the answer is easy because we’re once again dealing with a cooler, a style of drink that fits particularly well in the warm and hot season (or at least it keeps the hope for such weather alive). I have given some specific information about the Cooler as a category in the introduction to the Cucumber Cooler, so let’s start directly with information about the Blackberry Cooler here.
The BlackBerry Cooler is a very beautiful drink, because it combines several very interesting flavors together, creating a really nice and harmonious overall picture. The pungent and dark taste of fresh, ripe blackberries coincides with the floral and herbal tones of a good gin. A lovely hug of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, the light and fruity honey-sweetness of agave syrup, fresh mint and tangy lemon rounds out the mixture. The Blackberry Cooler is like a fresh and summery explosion of flavors that tastes like a sunny day on a glade.
Recipe:
6 cl gin (I have used Tanqueray No. Ten)
2.5 cl St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Juice of half a lemon
4 mint leaves
4 blackberries
1 Dash agave syrup
Preparation: First, gently muddle the mint leaves in the Shaker (without shredding them!). Then add and carefully crush the berries. Now add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into the pre-chilled glass. (If you prefer a less rustic drink without pieces of berries inside you should double strain your cocktail.)
Glass: Tumbler
Garnish: Two blackberries and a cherry
Buying sources: Quality gin can be found in specialized stores or in well-stocked supermarkets, the same goes for St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (both of course you can also comfortably order online). I like to buy my fresh mint in Turkish supermarkets while you will find agave syrup in health food stores.