Black Summers Night Cocktail

If you follow my Instagram, you know that I am an avid fan of gin. I credit my romance with this spirit to my husband, who is the king of “Gin and Tonics.” Prior to him, I never gave it a this beloved spirit a true chance, but there is something about the essence of juniper that sends my taste-buds into euphoria.

As a self-proclaimed gin enthusiast, I am constantly on the prowl for new distilleries and varieties to try. Imagine then, my elation, when I saw that my favorite gin brand, “Bluecoat” was releasing a limited-edition Elderflower Gin. After racing to the distillery to grab a bottle (or two hehe), my head was swirling with a million creative ideas for the perfect cocktail.

With the summer months upon us, I wanted to craft a simple sweet cocktail meant for sipping on my balcony after the end of a long day. Using a mix of homemade blackberry simple syrup, fresh lime, and Bluecoat Elderflower Gin, I present to you with: The Black Summers Night titled after one of my favorite wind down albums for Summer. 

Enjoy!

The Black Summers Night

• 2 oz Bluecoat Elderflower Gin
• 3/4 oz Blackberry Simple Syrup
• The Juice of 1 Small Lime
• 6 Blackberries
• 2 oz Tonic Water

Muddle blackberries and Blackberry Simple Syrup in the bottom of a shaker.  (Here is a simple recipe for the homemade Blackberry Simple Syrup ) Add Bluecoat Elderflower Gin and Lime Juice, fill with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain over ice in a Collins glass. Top with Tonic Water.  Garnish with a lime slice and a blackberry. 

And for a bonus, enjoy while listening to a song from the album that inspired it’s name: