bourbon cocktail with blackberry and thyme

I’m such a sucker for a good bourbon cocktail.  I started bartending at the ripe age of 21, while working at a local steakhouse during college. Apparently, I had “expressed interest” in the slight bump in my restaurant-employee-title, so they promoted me to work behind the bar.  I knew NOTHING about wine, spirits, or beer.  Nada.

Fast forward about a decade, and I’ve made this blackberry, thyme, and lemon bourbon cocktail for you.  You see, I’ve learned a few things over the past nine years.  Not like, major things, but at least I’ve learned how to put this drink together. 😉

This cocktail is bright and refreshing, thanks to the sweet fruit and citrus.  The thyme-infused simple syrup adds a layer of earthy sweetness.  On that point, the thyme-infused simple syrup is REALLY easy to make.  I promise!  Simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar, combined in a sauce pan, and brought to a boil.  As soon as the liquid becomes clear, turn off the heat.  Add a small handful of fresh thyme sprigs, and let it steep for thirty minutes.

Done!  Easy.

You can keep the thyme-infused simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.  Use it to get creative with some other cocktails!  Like my upcoming pear and thyme prosecco cocktail.   (That one is more holiday appropriate.) 🙂

I know blackberries aren’t in season during the holidays, but I wanted to make this cocktail anyway.  It’s very versatile, and is a little too easy to drink – in my opinion.  However, I love bourbon on the rocks with a splash of water … so maybe my tastes are a little off.

Think of this as a cocktail you would order if you were going out for a great dinner.  Bartenders these days tend to lend toward old-fashioned recipes, and  back in the day, people liked to taste their booze.  Don’t be afraid of tasting the bourbon in this one.  Another awesome bourbon drink to try would be this grilled peaches and bourbon cocktail … if you’re into it. 🙂

OR!  There’s this spiced pear and bourbon drink, which is killer.  Like tequila?  Try this blueberry margarita.  More of a sweet and spicy fan?  This margarita is right up your alley.  

Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you want!  And cheers to you, whichever drink you choose. 🙂

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blackberry, thyme, and lemon bourbon cocktail

Author sara rose : a flavor journal.

Servings 2

fresh blackberries, lemon juice, and thyme-infused simple syrup are combined with bourbon for this refreshing blackberry, thyme, and lemon bourbon cocktail.

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

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Ingredients

 

• ▢ 4 blackberries fresh
• ▢ 2 oz. thyme-infused simple syrup see 'notes' for directions
• ▢ 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• ▢ 3 oz. bourbon I used a rye
• ▢ crushed ice
• ▢ lemon wheel for garnish
• ▢ fresh thyme sprig for garnish

Instructions

• Combine fresh blackberries and thyme-infused simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle thoroughly.
• Add lemon juice, bourbon, and a few ice cubes. Shake vigorously, breaking some of the ice cubes inside the shaker to ensure it's nice and cold.
• Fill two cocktail glasses halfway full of crushed ice. Strain cocktail directly onto crushed ice.
• Garnish with lemon wheel and fresh thyme sprig.

Notes

Thyme-infused simple syrup is easy! Bring 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar to a boil in a small sauce pan. Stir. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, turn off the heat.
Toss in a small bunch of fresh thyme sprigs, and let steep for at least 30 minutes.
Discard thyme sprigs. Store this in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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