Gin Fizzy!

With the blistering heat, everyone (at least in Texas) is searching for the easiest way to keep cool this summer. The days of running through the sprinklers have long since past and the cool oasis of the swimming pool has become a hot tub. The only sure fire way to keep from burning up is to find the perfect refreshing beverage.. thus comes the “Blackberry gin fizzy”! 

Bursting with the flavors of summer, yet not too sweet or overpowering, with just the right amount of gin. I found the inspiration for this cocktail from Martha Stewart’s wedding website. --No, before you even think that, I am not getting married; just looking up ideas for weddings I am maid of honor for in the coming months.-- She suggested adding sugar, but using a simple syrup instead avoids the inevitable sugar buildup in the bottom of the glass. Making a simple syrup is unbelievably, well, simple. All you do is heat equal parts sugar and water on the stove and stir until combined, but don’t heat it too long or it will become crystallized. After the simple syrup is made, it keeps for a long time. You can add it to teas, desserts, cocktails and never again will you get a burst of sugary goo in your straw from the bottom of your highball glass.  Below is my version of Martha’s wedding cocktail, mine has a little more gin and a little less soda water. It is a cocktail after all! Besides, there is nothing else to do in this horrendous heat, might as well make your beverage a strong one!

Ingredients

Makes 6

• 12 ounces blackberries, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 12 ounces gin
• 15 mint leaves, torn, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1 1/2 cups sparkling water or club soda

Directions

1. Puree berries in a blender. Strain, and discard seeds.
2. Put 1/3 cup puree, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 4 ounces gin, and 1/3 of the torn mint leaves into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and shake until cold. Pour into two 8-ounce glasses, and add 1/4 cup sparkling water to each. Repeat. Enjoy!