Blackberry Lemon Drop Recipe

1. Combine fresh blackberries, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Cook for 5–7 minutes until berries break down and liquid is slightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat and use a fork or a small masher to press the berries against the side of the pan, extracting as much juice as possible.

4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup, pressing solids to release liquid. Discard seeds and solids left in the sieve.

5. Stir in lemon zest and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust: if too tart, add up to 1 tablespoon of additional sugar dissolved into the warm syrup. Let cool to room temperature before using.

6. Refrigerate leftover syrup in a sealed container for up to 7 days.

7. If rimming the glass, rub the rim of a chilled coupe or martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip the rim into a plate with coarse sugar; set aside.

8. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

9. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz blackberry lemon syrup, 0.25 oz simple syrup (if using), and 0.25 oz orange liqueur (if using) to the shaker.

10. Shake vigorously for about 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold and slightly frosted.

11. Double-strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve into the prepared chilled glass to remove ice shards and any residual seeds or pulp.

12. Skewer 2 fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick and rest across the rim of the glass, or float them in the drink.

13. Add a lemon wheel or twist for aroma. Express the lemon twist over the drink by giving it a quick squeeze to release oils, then drop or rim the glass with it.

14. Serve immediately. Enjoy the balanced tart-sweet Blackberry Lemon Drop.