A fruity vodka cocktail thanks to a clutch find from my good ol’ sister-in-law, Helene. I should really employ her for her imbibing research in the trenches. This inspired vodka smash is made with freshly muddled strawberries and raspberries, fresh rosemary, blackberry jam, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
Think of it as the mojitos arch-nemesis, packed with fresh fruits, herbs, a natural sweetener, and citrus. Not a vodka fan? It could easily be made with bourbon or white rum, rendering equally delicious results.
Muddle the Fruits
This cocktail requires a muddler. A muddler will help you pulverize the fruits and rosemary to extract the oils and juices. You want to turn the raspberries and strawberries into a jam of their own, so they become a smooth pulp with no chunks. This will give you a fruit-infused cocktail in every sip. You cannot over muddle this cocktail.
How to Make Honey Syrup
This cocktail uses honey syrup, which is essentially simple syrup made with honey. It easily dissolves into cocktails and adds earthy honey flavor.
Heat 1/4 cup of water in the microwave for 45 seconds until warm. Stir in 1/4 cup of honey until fully dissolved and golden brown. The proper consistency is a little thicker than water when at room temp. This makes 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of honey syrup, AKA 8 cocktails.
Blackberry Jam
The blackberry jam is a third fruit source, sweetener, and nice addition of color. Blackberry jam or blackberry preserves should be easy to find in the grocery store. If not, you can always substitute for strawberry or raspberry jam. It’s not quite the same cocktail but can work in a pinch (or if you have a thing against blackberries for that matter). That said, the blackberry jam is my favorite part.
I realize this cocktail requires a little bit of work and care, however, you’ll find it’s worth every bit of effort as it’s really unique with so many subtle flavors that work together so well.
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Berry Vodka Smash Recipe
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Description
A fruity and refreshing summer vodka cocktail made with muddled fresh strawberries and raspberries, fresh rosemary, blackberry jam, honey syrup, and lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (can also use bourbon or white rum)
- 2 raspberries
- 1 medium strawberry, stem removed
- 1 teaspoon blackberry jam or preserves (strawberry/raspberry jam can be substituted)
- 1/2 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- Optional extra lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs as garnish
Honey syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot water
Instructions
- In the pint half of a Boston shaker, muddle strawberry, raspberries, jam, and rosemary until fruit is pulverized into a smooth pulp.
- Add vodka, lemon, honey syrup, and a cup of ice. Shake with a cup of ice and pour all contents into a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge and rosemary spring if desired.
Honey syrup
- Heat 1/4 cup of water in the microwave for 45 seconds until warm. Stir in 1/4 cup of honey until fully dissolved and golden brown. The proper consistency is a little thicker than water when at room temp.
Notes
Honey syrup recipe makes 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of honey syrup, AKA 8 cocktails.
Keywords: fruity vodka cocktails
