By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 4, 2026
Serves 4
41 cal · 60 min
Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade
Recipe GLPR4145c30b4610e5
A refreshing and sophisticated cocktail combining fresh blackberries with bright lemon juice, smooth whiskey, and fragrant rosemary. The homemade blackberry syrup gives this drink a rich, fruity depth that pairs beautifully with citrus and a hint of herbal complexity. Perfect for warm evenings or special occasions.
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Ingredients
12 ounces fresh blackberries
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large sprig fresh rosemary sprig
7½ ounces fresh lemon juice
7½ ounces whiskey
ice cubes
Directions
Combine the fresh blackberries and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and break down completely, creating a thick, dark syrup. Pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp, pressing gently with a spoon to extract all liquid. Discard the solids (or save pulp for another use).
Allow the blackberry syrup to cool to room temperature, approximately 20 minutes, before proceeding.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled blackberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, whiskey, and rosemary sprig. Add a generous handful of ice cubes to the shaker. If your shaker is small, you may need to prepare the drinks in two batches. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and mixed.
Pour the shaken cocktail into four glasses filled with fresh ice and serve immediately.
Comments
This is a straightforward summer drink that works well for entertaining in Charlotte. All ingredients—blackberries, sugar, rosemary, lemon juice, whiskey, and ice—are readily available at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, or Kroger year-round, though fresh blackberries cost more outside June through August. The stated 60 minutes is misleading; you're mostly waiting for a syrup to cool, so active time runs 10-15 minutes, which makes it practical for a weeknight pitcher. The real cost driver is whiskey quality, but even with mid-shelf bourbon this lands around $3-4 per serving, reasonable for a cocktail. The drink doesn't reheat, but it's ideal for same-night service or a make-ahead batch for a gathering, and it requires no fussy technique or constant attention.
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