The Crooked Ladle

Smashed Blackberry Margarita

Berry Good Times

Smashed Blackberry Margarita

This cocktail is a total winner! When I first tried it, I knew I had to share it with everyone. Even my husband, who isn't usually a fan of fruity drinks, loved it. I was a little worried about the lime and blackberry combo at first, but to my surprise, the flavors balance beautifully. The lime adds a refreshing touch without being overpowering, and the blackberries create a subtle sweetness. Be warned, this drink is dangerously delicious - you might just find yourself reaching for a second (or third)!

Serves: 1

Suggested Prep Tools:

· Small saucepan

. Shaker or cocktail pitcher and long stirrer

· Medium bowl

· Measuring cups

· Measuring spoon

· Muddler or meat tenderizer

· Medium sized strainer/sieve (not a colander)

· Stir teaspoon

· Saucer (optional for glass rim sugar/salt glass preparation)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

· ½ cup blackberry juice (from fresh or frozen defrosted)

· ½ cup Tequilla of your choice

(I used Cazadores)

· ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

[This equates to about 1 ½ large limes].

· 2 Tablespoons Triple Sec

· 2 Tablespoons simple syrup (prepare ahead of time per the instructions below).

· Ice cubes

Optional:

· Sugar or salt for glass rim

· Garnish with lime slice and or blackberries

To Make Simple Syrup:

Whip up a small batch of simple syrup in minutes! Just combine equal parts sugar and water (½ cup each) in a small saucepan. Give it a gentle stir to dissolve the sugar, then bring it to a simmer over medium heat. You'll know it's ready when the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes clear. The whole process takes about a minute, so keep an eye on it to avoid boiling. Set aside to cool. Simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator up to a month in an air-tight container.

Directions:

Dress up your glass in two tasty ways!

Classic citrus: Run a wedge of lime around the rim of your glass to coat it with zesty oils. Then, gently dip the rim in a saucer filled with sugar for a sweet and refreshing touch.

Subtle sweetness: For a more subdued approach, dampen the rim of your glass with a water-soaked paper towel. Then, follow it up with a roll in the saucer of sugary goodness.

1. Strain the blackberries - Place blackberries into a medium bowl and smash with a muddler or meat tenderizer. Ensure that you squeeze all the juice that you can out of the blackberries.

2. Pour the berry juice (which should be about one-half cup) into the shaker or cocktail pitcher [discard the pulp].

3. Add to the shaker/pitcher all of the other liquid ingredients: tequila, lime juice, triple sec and simple syrup.

4. Place about a cup of ice in the shaker and shake vigorously until you see the outside of the shaker sweat or show water beads and it feels very cold to the touch.