Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade: Your Go-To Low-Carb Summer Cocktail Recipe
Prepare to delight your taste buds with the Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade, a remarkably refreshing and vibrant mixed drink that’s perfect for any warm-weather occasion. This isn’t just another cocktail; it’s a meticulously crafted balance of sweet, tart, and spirited flavors, presented in a guilt-free, low-carb package. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or someone who typically shies away from bourbon, this delightful concoction promises to convert you with its smooth, fruity profile.
Echoing the popular and equally refreshing Lynchburg Lemonade, our Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade stands out with its fresh, seasonal blackberries and zesty lemon, all underpinned by the rich notes of quality bourbon. It’s the ultimate choice for those sweltering summer days when you crave something both invigorating and satisfying. Plus, with a careful selection of ingredients, we ensure this can be a fantastic option for those mindful of their sugar and carbohydrate intake.
Why This Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail is a Summer Essential
My journey to creating this perfect summer drink began with a delicious Blackberry Smash I enjoyed at a local restaurant. The vibrant fruit, aromatic mint, and smooth bourbon left such an impression that I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. While I initially thought I’d have to develop a recipe from scratch, I later discovered a fantastic Blackberry Bourbon Smash recipe that captured the essence perfectly. This revelation inspired me to take it a step further: to create a refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade that not only delivered on flavor but also on health-conscious choices.
The real bonus? My version is consciously crafted to be low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a keto-friendly or reduced-sugar diet. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. This cocktail is everything you could want in a summer beverage: it’s incredibly easy to make, bursts with fresh fruit flavor, offers a satisfying kick from the bourbon, and keeps your carb count in check. It’s ideal for backyard BBQs, poolside lounging, or simply unwinding on the porch after a long day.
RELATED: If you enjoy fruity, boozy beverages, you might also like this recipe – Long Island Iced Tea – a classic for a reason!
Key Ingredients for Your Low-Carb Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
Crafting the perfect low-carb cocktail involves smart ingredient choices. My goal was to significantly reduce sugar and carbohydrates without compromising the refreshing taste of a classic lemonade. While using fresh-squeezed lemon juice is always an option, it would typically require adding sugar or simple syrup, which goes against our low-carb objective. Instead, I found a fantastic alternative that truly makes this recipe shine.
For precise measurements, a complete list of ingredients, and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Fresh Blackberries: This is a non-negotiable! For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, plump blackberries. Frozen berries, while convenient for smoothies, simply won’t muddle as effectively or provide the same vibrant taste and aroma that fresh ones do. Look for firm, richly colored berries without any signs of mold or mushiness.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: You’ll need about 6 fresh mint leaves per cocktail. If you’re buying them from the produce section, this usually amounts to roughly one small stem. Mint provides a refreshing, herbaceous counterpoint to the sweetness of the berries and the warmth of the bourbon. Always use fresh mint for muddling; dried mint will not yield the desired effect.
- Your Favorite Bourbon Whiskey: The quality of your bourbon significantly impacts the final taste. I personally prefer smooth, slightly sweet bourbons like Maker’s Mark or Jack Daniels, which complement the fruit and lemon beautifully. However, feel free to use your preferred brand. Different bourbons offer varying notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, allowing you to customize the depth of your cocktail. For a truly exceptional drink, choose a bourbon you genuinely enjoy sipping on its own.
- Simply Light Lemonade: This is our secret weapon for keeping the carb count down! Simply Light Lemonade is sweetened partially with Stevia leaf extract, making it a much lower-carb option compared to traditional lemonades loaded with sugar. It offers that classic tart-sweet lemonade flavor without the caloric overload. If Simply Light isn’t available, look for other low-carb or sugar-free lemonade options, or easily make your own by combining fresh lemon juice with a low-carb sweetener (like erythritol or stevia) and water.
- Club Soda or Diet 7Up (Optional, but Recommended): A splash of something fizzy adds effervescence and brightens the drink, making it even more refreshing. I opt for diet 7Up because it has 0 calories and 0 carbs, maintaining the low-carb integrity of the cocktail. Club soda is another excellent choice if you prefer less sweetness and a drier finish, as it provides fizz without added flavor or sugar. Sparkling water or seltzer also work wonderfully.
Mastering the Art of Making Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
You might be surprised by how straightforward this recipe is, especially when compared to other cocktail recipes that sometimes call for complex syrups or cooking components. My philosophy for a great cocktail is simplicity and fresh ingredients. There’s absolutely no need to boil anything or undertake complicated preparations. The magic of this drink lies in the simple act of muddling fresh blackberries and mint leaves.
Forget the idea that crafting a delicious cocktail needs to be an arduous task. This Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade recipe is designed for ease and enjoyment. With just a few minutes of preparation, you’ll be sipping on this vibrant drink, whether it’s on your porch, by the pool, or at your next gathering. It’s not rocket science; it’s pure, unadulterated refreshment in a glass!
The step-by-step photos and detailed instructions below are here to guide you visually through the process. For a quick print-out, simply scroll down to the recipe card!
- Muddle the Berries and Mint: Begin by adding 3 fresh blackberries and 5 mint leaves to a sturdy cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, gently press and twist the ingredients a few times. The goal is to release the juices from the blackberries and the aromatic oils from the mint, not to pulverize them into a pulp. About 5-7 gentle presses should be sufficient.
- Add Bourbon and Shake: Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Then, use a jigger to measure and add your preferred bourbon whiskey. Secure the lid of the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This not only chills the drink thoroughly but also helps to further meld the flavors of the muddled fruit and mint with the bourbon.
- Prepare Your Glass: Take a rock glass (also known as an old-fashioned glass) and fill it halfway with fresh ice. Chilling your glass beforehand can help keep your drink colder for longer.
- Strain the Cocktail: Carefully strain the contents of the cocktail shaker over the ice in your prepared rock glass. Be mindful that the muddled mint leaves and blackberry bits can sometimes block the strainer. You might need to gently tap the shaker or use a spoon to assist the liquid through, ensuring you get all the delicious infused liquid into your glass.
- Add Lemonade: Pour the low-carb lemonade into the glass, filling it almost to the top, over the strained bourbon-blackberry-mint mixture. The vibrant color will beautifully swirl.
- Top with Fizz: Finish your cocktail with a splash of Club Soda or Diet 7Up to fill the glass. This final touch adds a delightful sparkle and lightens the drink, enhancing its refreshing qualities.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish your beautiful Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade with the remaining 2 fresh blackberries and a fresh mint leaf. The visual appeal is as important as the taste!
One of the most appealing aspects of this drink is the presence of those delightful, muddled blackberry bits gracefully floating within the glass. They add both texture and an extra burst of fresh fruit flavor with every sip. While I often opt for diet 7Up for a touch more sweetness and zero carbs, don’t hesitate to experiment with sparkling water for a crisper, less sweet finish. Your perfect glass awaits!
Tips for the Best Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
- Freshness is Key: Always use fresh blackberries and mint. Their vibrant flavors are essential for this cocktail.
- Don’t Over-Muddle: Gently press and twist the muddler. Over-muddling can release bitterness from the mint.
- Quality Ice: Use good quality ice that melts slowly to prevent diluting your drink too quickly. Large ice cubes or spheres are ideal.
- Chill Your Glass: A chilled glass will keep your drink colder for longer and enhance the overall experience.
- Taste and Adjust: Before adding the final splash of soda, taste your mixture. You can always adjust the sweetness with a tiny bit more low-carb sweetener or tartness with a squeeze of fresh lemon if needed.
Variations to Explore
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter drink and aren’t strictly low-carb, you can use regular lemonade or add a touch of simple syrup. For low-carb, consider a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit.
- Different Berries: This recipe is easily adaptable! Try it with raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries for a different fruity twist.
- Alternative Spirits: While bourbon is classic, a good quality gin could offer an herbaceous alternative, or even a light rum for a tropical flair. For a smokier profile, consider a rye whiskey.
- Make it a Pitcher: For entertaining, prepare a larger batch in a pitcher (without ice or soda). Muddle berries and mint, add bourbon and lemonade, then chill. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with club soda or diet 7Up in individual glasses.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the bourbon and double down on the muddled berries and mint. Top with lemonade and sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail everyone can enjoy.
More Delicious Berry Cocktails to Try
If you’re a fan of fresh, fruity cocktails with a delightful kick, these berry-infused drinks are sure to become new favorites:
- Raspberry Gin Rickey: A crisp and effervescent drink featuring fresh raspberries, gin, lime juice, and club soda – perfect for gin lovers.
- Bramble Cocktail: This beautiful gin-based cocktail combines fresh lemon juice and creme de mure (blackberry liqueur) for a vibrant, fruity, and slightly tart experience.
- Strawberry Kiwi Sangria: A delightful pitcher drink packed with fresh strawberries, kiwi, white wine, and a hint of brandy, making it ideal for sharing at summer parties.
- Strawberry Margarita: A timeless classic that gets a fresh upgrade with ripe strawberries, tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
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Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 5 blackberries divided
- 6 mint leaves divided
- 1 cup ice
- 1.5 ounces Bourbon
- 4 ounces sugar free lemonade I used “Simply Light Lemonade”
- Splash of Club Soda or 7Up
Things You’ll Need
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Jigger
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Cocktail shaker
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Rock glasses
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Muddler
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Add 3 blackberries and 5 mint leaves to a cocktail shaker and muddle the ingredients.
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Add the ice and bourbon and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
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Fill a rock glass halfway with ice.
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Strain shaker over ice in rock glass. The mint leaves may block the strainer so be sure you get it all out!
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Pour lemonade into glass.
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Add a splash of Club Soda or 7up.
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Garnish with remaining 2 blackberries and mint leaf.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.