Blackberry Mint Juleps

Submitted by januarybride

"A Bobby Flay recipe in the March 2009 edition of EveryDay with Rachael Ray. Cooking time is resting time for the blackberry/sugar mixture. Beware. . .I felt these were VERY strong, so you may want to cut back on the amount of bourbon if you are wimpy like me!!!"

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 pint fresh blackberries, rinsed and dried
• 1⁄2 cup superfine sugar (I subbed Splenda with great results)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large bunch mint
• crushed ice
• 1 cup Bourbon
• seltzer water, chilled (I subbed diet lemon lime soda with great results)

directions

1. In a small bowl, mash together the blackberries, sugar and vanilla and let sit at room temperature until juicy, about 20 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, pressing against the solids with a rubber spatula; discard the seeds.
3. For each drink, place about 3 tablespoons of the blackberry syrup and 8 mint leaves into a cocktail glass and muddle together using the handle of a wooden spoon.
4. Fill with crushed ice, 1/4 cup bourbon and a splash of seltzer. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Reviews

[LifeIsGood]

We enjoyed this drink as we watched the Kentucky Derby, but we will definitely be making these more than once a year now! This was delicious. As JanuaryBride states, it is STRONG. I ended up adding another tablespoon of the blackberry mixture and a little more sugar to mine and I thought it was perfect. The blackberry mixture is so tasty!!!! Thanks for a wonderful new drink recipe. :) ~Made for the May Aussie/NZ Swap~