By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 12, 2026
Serves 1
94 cal · 5 min
Blackberry Summer Smash
Recipe GLPRdde748e0c8a50c
A refreshing muddled cocktail combining fresh blackberries and basil with zesty lemon juice, chilled ginger beer, and optional bourbon. This elegant drink is perfect for warm summer days and requires just minutes to prepare.
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Ingredients
11 fresh blackberries, divided
6 fresh basil leaves
1 basil sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chilled ginger beer
Ice cubes (preferably large, square cubes)
2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
Directions
Place the 6 basil leaves and 8 of the blackberries into a rocks glass. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press and twist the herbs and berries together until fragrant and the berries begin to release their juices.
Pour the fresh lemon juice into the glass over the muddled mixture.
Fill the glass generously with large ice cubes.
Top the drink with the chilled ginger beer, stirring gently to combine.
If desired, add the bourbon and stir to incorporate.
Garnish the rim and top with the basil sprig and the remaining 3 blackberries.
Serve immediately while cold.
Comments
Blackberries peak June through August in North Carolina and are readily available at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Walmart for $3–5 a pint when in season; fresh basil is a standard produce item at all major chains. The five-minute stated time is honest—muddling berries with basil, adding lemon juice and ginger beer, then ice and bourbon genuinely takes that long with no hidden prep. Cost per serving runs $4–6 depending on spirit choice, driven mainly by bourbon and blackberry price, making it a light-night cocktail rather than a budget round. This is a single-serving drink with no reheating value and zero household stretch; it's also fussy in the sense that blackberries bruise easily and basil quality matters to the final taste.
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