Blackberry-Cucumber-Vanilla Vodka Spritzer

If enjoying fruity, refreshing cocktails is on your summer agenda, I have just the recipe for you: a blackberry-cucumber-vanilla vodka spritzer.

As far as I’m concerned, this cocktail has everything that makes me think of long days and warm nights.

• Fresh produce.
• Sprigs of vibrant mint.
• A hint of citrus.
• Plenty of bubbles.

I don’t see anything wrong with the above combination.

So let’s talk muddling. Cucumber is a delicate flavor but tougher to break down than the other ingredients. To ensure we get enough cucumber flavor, I like to muddle those slices in a cocktail shaker on their own first. You can also blend a cucumber with a splash of water and use the purée if you want a stronger touch of cucumber. When it comes to cocktails, I’m all about having options.

Next, add the blackberries to the shaker with the cucumbers and start muddling. Once the blackberries break down, add the mint. You don’t want to add the mint too early in the process because it only needs a few pulses and twists from the muddler.

Originally, I planned to make this cocktail with regular vodka, but I checked my freezer to discover only a sad scant of vodka left in the bottle. Fortunately, I recently bought a bottle of vanilla vodka, so I adjusted. Sometimes you need a cocktail ASAP, and you don’t have the time or patience for another trip to the store. Of course, feel free to use regular vodka if that’s your preference.

I also used La Croix Muré Pepino to give this blackberry cocktail a bubbly kick. Club soda works as well, but I love using sparkling flavored water that mimics the ingredients in a cocktail.

The blackberries, mint and vanilla already lend a sweetness to the cocktail, but you’re welcome to add a little simple syrup if that’s your style. If you’re unsure, leave it out of the shaker, give the cocktail a taste and stir in the simple syrup if you’re inclined. Again, I dig options.

Next time you’re in need of the perfect summertime drink, I hope you give this blackberry-cucumber-vanilla spritzer a try. As always, be sure to let me know how this cocktail perked up your day.

Perfect Pairing

Picking a pairing for this cocktail is difficult because you can go in so many directions with this drink. That said, with the cucumber and mint, my brain keeps returning to Mediterranean food. To keep with the summer theme, I suggest marinading some bone-in chicken in Greek dressing and tossing it on the grill. Serve the grilled chicken with a side of tzatziki sauce, couscous and this blackberry-cucumber-vanilla vodka spritzer for one tasty meal.

Cheers!

Blackberry-Cucumber-Vanilla Vodka Spritzer

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• Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 cocktail 1x

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Description

Meet the most perfect summer cocktail! Muddled blackberries give this vodka spritzer a lovely color, and the fresh cucumber and mint add a refreshing touch.

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Ingredients

For Simple Syrup (Optional)
1 cup water
2 cup sugar

For Cocktail
1/4 cup blackberries
3 cucumber slices
Mint leaves from a sprig
1/2 lime, juiced
2 ounces vanilla vodka
1 ounce simple syrup, optional
1 can La Croix Muré Pepino
Ice

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Instructions

1. If using the simple syrup, simmer the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar. As soon as the sugar dissolves, remove from heat.
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber slices. Alternatively, blend a cucumber with a splash of water and use a couple tablespoons of purée.
3. Add the blackberries to the shaker and muddle. Once the blackberries mostly break down, add the mint leaves and continue to muddle.
4. Add the vanilla vodka, lime juice, simple syrup if using and ice. Shake for about 15 seconds until the shaker turns frosty. Replace the top of the shaker with a strainer and pour into highball glasses with ice. Top with desired amount of La Croix Muré Pepino. Garnish with additional lime, mint and a blackberry if you’d like. Sip and enjoy.

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Notes

If you’re not sure if you want to use simple syrup, make it without first. If you need a little extra sweetness, stir it directly into your drink.

• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Stove Top
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cucumber cocktail, blackberry cocktail, vodka spritzer, vodka cocktail

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