Blackberry Gin and Tonic Recipe - Muddled co*cktail (2024)

One of my favorite muddled co*cktails, this blackberry gin and tonic is a delicious way to add bit of sweetness to a classic gin and tonic co*cktail. Served over ice with a twist of lime, this refreshing co*cktail is the perfect summertime treat.

A Muddled Blackberry co*cktail

If you aren’t familiar with the term muddled co*cktails, please allow me to introduce you. A muddled co*cktail is one made with a muddler, a bartending tool that is usually 8″ – 10″ long and used like a pestle to mash fruits and herbs to release their juices and oils. Muddlers are usually made from wood or metal and can often be a part of a standard bartending kit.

Mint juleps and mojitos are some of the most common muddled co*cktails, but a muddler can be used to add juicy fresh fruit flavor to an array of co*cktails. In this blackberry co*cktail the muddler is key to mashing up the blackberries so that they mix with the gin and tonic.

For anyone who likes their co*cktails fruity and a little bit sweet without added sugar or simple syrup, a muddled co*cktail will be a winner. Start with this refreshing blackberry gin and tonic, then muddle your way through sweetening up any of your favorite co*cktails.

What You’ll Need

• Gin – The most important ingredient in a gin and tonic.
• Tonic water – The second most important ingredient in a gin and tonic.
• Lime juice – A squeeze straight from the lime gives the freshest flavor.
• Blackberries – You need 2 – 3 for the co*cktail and more for garnish, if desired.
• Crushed ice – If your fridge doesn’t dispense crushed ice, a blender is an easy way to make it yourself.
• Sprig of rosemary – An optionalgarnish, that adds more aroma than flavor.

Recommended Bar Tools

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• co*cktail muddler
• Long handled co*cktail spoon
• 8 ounce or larger co*cktail glass

How to Make this Blackberry Gin and Tonic Recipe

Like many co*cktails, this one comes together in about 5 minutes. While process shots for this simple blackberry co*cktail aren’t absolutely necessary to make this co*cktail, I’m sharing them anyway.

• Place two to three blackberries in an 8 ounce or larger co*cktail glass, then muddle the blackberries to mush.
• Top with crushed ice and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Add gin to the glass with ice, then top off with tonic, adjusting to taste as needed.
• Gently stir, then garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of rosemary if desired.
• Serve immediately. Repeat as desired.

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

You can absolutely use frozen blackberries in place of fresh in this co*cktail. Just allow them a few minutes to defrost before you muddle them. While they may not look as pretty in pictures, I would argue that frozen is actually better. Frozen berries can be kept on hand at all times, they don’t go bad, they tend to be sweeter, and they release more juice than fresh berries.

However, don’t expect to use frozen blackberries as a pretty garnish on your glass. They turn mushy as they thaw and won’t stay on that co*cktail stick.

How do I choose a tonic water?

In the drinks aisle at your local store you will probably find an array of choices for tonic water. Some tonic waters, like Fentimans or Fever Tree, are designed as mixers and will give a stronger tonic flavor in the final co*cktail. These are they types of tonic water I like best when mixing co*cktails.

If you prefer a subtler tonic taste use one that isn’t advertised as a co*cktail mixer. Options like Canada Dry or the store brand will be your best choice.

Which gin is best for gin tonics?

The best gin for your gin and tonic is the one you like the best. When photographing this blackberry gin co*cktail I used Hendricks gin, which is what I had on hand. I also really love a locally made gin that I can only find at nearby farmers markets. It too works great in this co*cktail. If you aren’t familiar with gin, don’t go super cheap or super expensive and don’t be afraid to ask the employee at the liquor store for their input too.

Muddled co*cktail Recipe Variations

As always, my favorite part of creating co*cktails at home is that I can switch them up and make them mine. Whether that’s a flavor thing or a what’s in my fridge thing, knowing what to change and what to not mess with is important. Since this is a gin and tonic, you shouldn’t swap out these two ingredients, because then you will no longer have a gin and tonic. These are what you can change.

• Try different berries – raspberries, blueberries, peaches, strawberry, grapefruit, and cucumber are all tasty gin and tonic variations that work well in muddled co*cktails. Use roughly the same volume as you would for the blackberries, then muddle them before adding the rest of the ingredients. You can get really creative by combining a couple together. Blueberry peach gin and tonic anyone?
• Swap out your citrus – the lime adds a little bit of tang that cuts the bitterness of the tonic. If you don’t have lime on hand try lemon, clementine, or other citrus fruits.
• Use different ice or none at all – while a standard gin and tonic is served on the rocks, there is no rule that you have to serve yours that way. You can serve it over an large ice ball, use big ice cubes or serve it straight up with no ice. It’s your bar and your rules.

Serving Suggestions

Gin and tonics are one of those drinks that can make it difficult to tell just how much gin is in them. The strong flavor of the tonic can mask the flavor of the gin and the effects can creep up on you before you know it.

However, the opposite is true too. You can make low alcohol gin and more tonics, or omit the gin for a non-alcoholic version that will allow you to imbibe with fewer alcoholic consequences. The choice is up to you, but whatever you choose, please drink responsibly.

How to Store

There is no such thing as leftover gin and tonics, because you should mix them as you need them. The only things you can really prepare in advance is to cut up the limes and crush the ice. Since these are so easy to make, I would not recommend gin and tonics for pitcher co*cktails.

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More Classic co*cktails

• Blackberry Bourbon Smash
• Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita
• Virgin Moscow Mule
• Irish Cream Coffee
• Empress 1908 Gin Sour co*cktail