Blackberry Mint Bourbon Collins
Muddled blackberries, fresh mint, and bourbon make a tart, fizzy Collins for an easy warm-weather pour.
Prep: 8 · Cook: 2 · Total: 10 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (88 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by classic Collins cocktails, farmers market berries, and long porch-sitting evenings.
Story
Theo wanted a tall, fizzy bourbon drink with enough berry color to look like a proper bar pour. Blackberries, mint, and lemon keep it tart instead of syrupy, and club soda gives the glass a clean snap. It is a cool-weather road trip stop in cocktail form, no neon sign required.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 3 ounces bourbon
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 4 ounces chilled club soda
- Ice and lemon wheels, for serving
Instructions
- Stir the sugar and water in a small glass until the sugar dissolves to make a quick syrup.
- Divide the blackberries and mint between two tall glasses and gently muddle until juicy but not pulverized.
- Fill the glasses halfway with ice and pour 1 1/2 ounces bourbon into each.
- Add 3/4 ounce lemon juice and 1 tablespoon syrup to each glass, then stir well.
- Top each glass with 2 ounces club soda and give it one gentle lift from the bottom with a bar spoon.
- Add more ice, garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig, and serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- Muddle the mint gently so it releases aroma without turning bitter.
- Make the syrup up to one week ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar.
- Use frozen blackberries when fresh berries are out of season; let them thaw for easier muddling.
- For a lighter drink, replace half the bourbon with extra club soda.
Cook's Notes
- **Muddle:** Press the berries until juicy, but leave a little texture.
- **Mint:** Tap and stir gently so it stays fresh tasting.
- **Soda:** Add club soda last and stir only once to keep the bubbles lively.