Summer is nothing without a fruity cocktail, and this blackberry smash is just what the doctor ordered. This refreshing bourbon cocktail with fresh blackberries gets a bit of a twist with subtle notes of ginger and thyme.
Now I admittedly am not the biggest bourbon fan, and despite my time living near the Bourbon Trail when I was in Louisville, but it just never became my thing. My fiance is a big fan, though, so I wanted to make something that we both could enjoy. Adding notes of thyme and ginger take this ordinary cocktail to a sophisticated new level.
Ginger Thyme Simple Syrup
The flavor infusion of ginger and thyme in this cocktail comes in two forms, the first of which is a ginger thyme simple syrup. Simple syrup is just a mix of equal parts water and sugar, heated in a saucepot so the sugar dissolves. It’s a great way to add sweetness to a drink without the grittiness of undissolved sugar.
Simple syrup is also great because you can infuse any flavor you want into it. Simple add your flavoring, whether it be lemon peel, mint, or a cinnamon stick, into the mixture right after the syrup has dissolved while the syrup is still warm. Let it steep for a few minutes and strain.
In this case, add 2-3 sprigs of thyme and about 3/4 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced, into the pot. Let the syrup sit for a few minutes, strain and cool. Now it’s time to make the cocktail!
Blackberry Smash Cocktail
Now that the simple syrup is ready, it’s time to shake things up. In a cocktail shaker, add 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen (thawed slightly) blackberries, 1 tsp of fresh thyme leaves, and 1/3 inch of peeled sliced ginger. Muddle to release the juices, then add in the juice of one whole lemon, 3 oz of bourbon, and 1 1/2 oz of the ginger thyme simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously!
Strain the drink into two glasses filled with ice. Top with some sparkling water and serve! For an extra kick, rim the glasses with a mix of 2 tbsp of sugar and 1 tsp of lemon zest. Totally optional but it adds an extra punch of lemon to bring the whole drink together!
Kick back by the pool and toast with friends and family. Fight off the dog days of summer with this bright and refreshing blackberry smash.
Need More Bourbon Recipes?
Blackberry Smash with Thyme and Ginger
Ingredients
Ginger Thyme Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 inch fresh ginger peeled and sliced
Sugar Rim (Optional)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Blackberry Smash
- ¼ cup fresh or frozen blackberries 6-8 blackberries
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- ⅓ inch fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- juice from one lemon 3-4 tablespoons
- 3 oz bourbon
- 1½ oz ginger thyme simple syrup see directions below
- sparkling water for topping
Instructions
Ginger Thyme Simple Syrup
- In a sauce pot over medium heat, add sugar and water. Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and add thyme and ginger. Allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain and cool.
Sugar Rim
- On a shallow plate, mix sugar and lemon zest. Rim two glasses with a wedge of lemon and dip in the sugar. Fill with ice and set aside.
Blackberry Smash
- Add berries, ginger, and thyme to a shaker and muddle.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and add bourbon and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into ice filled glasses and garnish with additional blackberries and thyme sprigs. Serve immediately.
