bubbly basil blackberry tequila cooler
Showing some love to an underrated summer berry with a Bubbly Basil Blackberry Tequila Cooler. Also because I have a ton of blackberry jam I need to use.
Yesterday brought you a beautiful, jam-swirled Almond Blackberry Cake, and today we’re taking advantage of that jar of jam you inevitably have sitting in your fridge after a baking fiesta with a weekend cocktail. Nothing like repurposing leftovers to make you feel like a true artiste.
I created three cocktails this week, but the first two I wasn’t really satisfied with. I usually don’t drink more than once a week, twice if mom wants a sip when I visit her on weekends, but I had to make an exception here since who else is going to test my recipes but me?
Thankfully, three proved a charm and this guy burst from the woodwork in a beautiful reddish-magenta tidal wave.
I could’ve made the excuse Thursday night to drink a fourth cocktail of the week, since everything at work seemed to go to crap including me getting vaguely high from fumes caused by a broken convection. Fun stuff. I may yet imbibe over the weekend for J and I’s preliminary Memorial Day BBQ, and since we’re skipping town next week I can justify such to have appropriate content while we’re away. Never fear – VE won’t go radio silent for a week. I will have plenty of goodies queued up!
ANYWAY. I love the combination in this drink. A bit sweet, a bit sour, a pleasing hue. If you’re not a fan of tequila, whiskey is a suitable stand-in. The bubbles are a nice hat over the drink’s body, a bit of ginger to bring out the subtly earthy basil undertones and citrusy pop.
Hot weekend barbecues in your plans? I didn’t name this a “cooler” for no reason. Refreshing, smooth, light, and more fun than all those TikTok videos you probably watch when you’re bored.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Loving on blackberry? Try a Blackberry Lavender Mojito!
Ingredients
- 4-5 basil leaves
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2 tbsp blackberry jam
- 1/2 orange, for juice
- 2 oz tequila (or whiskey)
- 1-2 tsp honey (optional)
- ginger beer, to top
Instructions
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle basil leaves, lime juice, and blackberry jam. Measure in orange juice, honey (if using), and tequila. Add ice and shake until cold. Strain into a glass over ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with mint leaves.
