Blackberry-Mint Vodka Fizz

I always wanted a house with a big wrap around porch. You know the kind you see on those fancy home renovation shows. It would have dual porch swings facing each other and trees in the front yard lending soft breezes. My friends would stop by and I would whip up some boozy fruit flavored drink and we would sit for hours talking about nothing. I have a backyard pool with palm trees that give off a nice breeze, so don’t feel too sorry for me, but this is the kind of drink that evokes porch sippin’. If you have a nice covered front porch I demand you to make this drink and invite over a friend or two….

Blackberry-Mint Vodka Fizz

1.5 oz. blackberry mint syrup (recipe below)

crushed ice (this is key)

lime (or plain) flavored sparkling water (I used La Croix lime)

1.0 oz. vodka (optional)

4-5 fresh blackberries

sprig of fresh mint

In a short glass tumbler place crushed ice and blackberry mint syrup. Add in sparkling water or plain soda and optional vodka. Stir. Top with berries and fresh mint.

Blackberry mint syrup

makes a generous 1 Cup

1 Cup water

1 Cup sugar

2 Cups fresh or frozen blackberries

1/4 Cup fresh (clean) mint (about 20 leaves)

Bring everything to a boil except the mint. While mixture is coming to a boil crush the blackberries softly (they don’t have to be totally crushed). Let mixture boil for about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and then add the fresh mint. Let mint steep for 20 minutes, then strain out solids and store syrup in refrigerator.