In this week's COTW: We're continuing our summer grilling series with a vibrant purple refresher that marries the jammy sweetness of seasonal berries with America's native spirit and the timeless appeal of homemade lemonade.
Welcome back to our "Barbecue & Bourbon" series, where we're exploring cocktails that pair perfectly with your grilled feasts. Last week we kicked things off with our Grilled Peach Whiskey Sour, and today we're featuring another bourbon cocktail that's sure to become a staple at your summer cookouts.
THE COCKTAIL:
Today's feature is the "Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade" – a stunning summer sipper that combines the rich warmth of bourbon, the sweet-tart burst of fresh blackberries, bright lemon juice, and the floral sweetness of honey syrup. What makes this cocktail perfect for barbecue season is how the bold fruit flavor stands up to smoky grilled foods while the refreshing citrus notes cleanse the palate between bites.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
The Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken with a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled vegetables, especially those with char marks
- Smoky beef brisket
The sweet-tart profile of the cocktail acts as a palate cleanser between bites of rich barbecued meats, while the bourbon notes complement the smoky flavors from the grill.
INTERESTING FACTS:
The combination of bourbon and berries has a long history in American drinking culture. In the 19th century, berries were often preserved with spirits (including bourbon) as a way to enjoy their flavors year-round. These preserved berries were then used in various punches and cocktails, particularly in the South.
Blackberries themselves have an interesting place in American history. Native Americans used blackberries for food and medicine long before European colonization. The berries were so important to indigenous cultures that many tribes had specific blackberry moon phases in their calendars to mark when the fruit was ripe for harvesting.
The humble lemonade dates back thousands of years – there's evidence that lemon-based drinks were enjoyed in Egypt around 500 AD. By the 17th century, lemonade had become a popular street vendor drink in Paris. The addition of bourbon to lemonade is a distinctly American innovation, combining Old World refreshment with New World spirit.
The nutritional bonus? Blackberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making this perhaps one of the "healthier" cocktails in your repertoire – though I'll leave the nutritional claims to the health experts!
CLOSING:
The Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade is summer in a glass – capturing the essence of seasonal berries at their peak while delivering a refreshing cocktail that stands up beautifully to whatever you're pulling off the grill. Its vibrant color and balanced flavor make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]
Reminder: As always, enjoy responsibly and designate a driver if you're out and about sampling these delightful creations.