I swear I’m not a drunk! I have great potential to be a drunk but alas, I am not. I realized right about the time I became pregnant with my oldest that I am not my best when drinking regularly. So, I stopped. I still enjoy a cocktail or two on the weekends and I’ll catch a solid buzz when I’m with my girlfriends celebrating… whatever. It’s not a daily or even weekly thing for me and I’m good with that. However, I am gifted at cocktails. I enjoy thinking about flavor combos almost as much as I do creating them. Bourbon is my favorite. I used to be a vodka girl, almost exclusively but not anymore. If given the choice, I’d almost always go for Maker’s over Kettle One these days.

We all know that bourbon or whisky is a perfect pair with orange. We learned that with The Manhattan. This bevy has a lovely bit of that flavor to it and it’s kicked up with a fresh blackberry syrup. I think it’s a keeper.

You will need the following:

• 3 1oz shots Maker’s Mark or your favorite bourbon
• 1 shot blackberry syrup (recipe below)
• 1/4 large orange or half a small, cut into chunks
• club soda

Blackberry Syrup

Add one cup sugar and one cup water to a sauce pan and bring to a boil, stir until sugar has completely dissolved. Next add one cup fresh or frozen blackberries and return to a boil. Reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes. By this time, the fruit will be broken down and quite soft. Let it cool a bit then strain through a mesh strainer gently pressing the liquids through. Discard seeds and pulp. You can make this ahead and store it in the fridge sealed for a month. 

Directions:

1. Add orange chunks and syrup to a muddling jar and smash the hell out of them.
2. Add the bourbon and stir well.
3. Strain over ice evenly into two glasses.
4. Top with club soda and garnish with a few blackberries.

Make this drink! It is SO delicious! Not too sweet with subtle flavors that compliment the bourbon… She’s the star of the show after all! The Rockstar loved it and so will you. Swearing Mom out.