Oh Monday mornings…it’s so hard to crawl out of bed! But once I’ve had my shower and a few sips of coffee (it can take a mom all day to be able to finish a mug of coffee…), I am moving. I’m not sure why, but the couple hours I have before leaving for work on Monday are a flurry of activity for me. I seem to want to get everything crossed off my to-do list right then and I’m running from task to task like a crazy lady! Like right now…I’m writing this, I have ice cream churning next to me, the dishwasher just got started and I’m also piling up a load of things to drop off at Salvation Army later today. And that’s just right now! Oi…I wish I could always feel this motivated and productive…and maybe a little less so on Monday mornings – I always end up leaving late for work because I’m trying to finish up just one more thing. Oops!
Now on to this delicious drink…mmm, this one has been one of my favorites! The blackberry simple syrup in it just takes it over the top. It’s sweet (not overly so) and refreshing and the combination of blackberry and basil is so good! I feel like I have to really push myself to mix savory and sweet ingredients, Caitlin really helps in this area…she’s my favorite mixologist; I love what she comes up with and combines. And those drinks with ingredients that I normally wouldn’t use together usually end up being my favorite ones!
Blackberry & Basil Fizz
2-3 fresh blackberries
3 leaves fresh basil
2 tbsp blackberry simple syrup (recipe below)
club soda
lemon lime soda
Muddle blackberries and basil together in the bottom of a glass. Add blackberry simple syrup. Fill glass with ice. Top with equal parts club soda and lemon-lime soda till glass is full.
Blackberry Simple Syrup
1 cup blackberries – fresh
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
In a small saucepan, stir together blackberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Mash the berries. Allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Cheers to productive Monday mornings!
-Manda
