Just 5 ingredients, this Blackberry Gin and Tonic recipe can be made quickly! You'll love this fruity twist on the classic gin cocktail.
With muddled fresh berries and blackberry simple syrup, this cocktail gets double the berry flavor that pairs perfectly with the herbal gin and refreshing tonic!
I'm slowly falling in love with gin. And while I usually make vodka recipes, I'm beginning to think I need to bid them adieu for a little while so I can give gin more attention.
Why this recipe works
Flavored simple syrups are a great way to give cocktails a twist and since I had a batch of Blackberry Simple Syrup chilling in the fridge, I thought I would try out a Blackberry Gin and Tonic.
Gin and tonic go together like Laverne and Shirley (yes, I've aged myself). So we know the base idea of this drink recipe is right on the money.
The herbal tones of gin pair really well with fruit, and blackberries are pretty much always available at the grocery store.
Tonic gives this drink the right amount of fizz and makes this cocktail feel extra refreshing. The tang plays well with fruit so you've got a cocktail recipe that you really can't get wrong!
By muddling fresh blackberries along with a blackberry simple syrup ensures that this drink is full of berry flavor. It also gives it a gorgeous pink color that makes you want to share it with friends!
This Blackberry Gin and Tonic is fruity and quenches your thirst. Make one of these for your next happy hour!
Also check out my other favorite gin cocktails: Gin and Herbal Tea Gimlet, Blood Orange Sorbet Gin Float, and a Corpse Reviver No. 2.
NOTE! Be sure to make the blackberry simple syrup well ahead of when you want to make a cocktail! It needs time to steep and cool.
Ingredient Notes
For this Blackberry Gin and Tonic use your favorite gin. I am pretty new to drinking gin so I don't have a favorite yet. This Liquor.com article is super helpful and shares several affordable options.
If you prefer, you can make a Blackberry Vodka Tonic by using vodka instead. (You can also see my Grapefruit Vodka Tonic which you could make with gin if you wanted to instead.)
There are tons of brands of tonic on the market and again, I don't have a preference. The only note I will share is that I like to buy it in small-sized portions so that I always have it on hand.
You can buy a larger bottle if you make them often or will be serving to guests, but otherwise, I like small cans.
Fresh lime juice is always a must when making cocktails. If you are in a pinch you can try to use a pre-bottled juice but it won't have the same flavor kick.
I've noticed with flavored simple syrups, the fruit flavor can sometimes be a little too subtle for my taste. I like to muddle some fresh fruit in the cocktail, as well, to ensure that the flavor really comes through.
How to Make a Blackberry Gin and Tonic
I didn't muddle fresh blackberries in this version of the cocktail where I took pictures. But I prefer the flavor of them.
Before adding ice, add fresh blackberries to the cocktail glass and muddle to release the juices.
Add ice and add the gin.
Add the blackberry simple syrup.
The simple syrup should be made ahead of time and cooled completely before using in a cocktail recipe so be sure to plan ahead!
This small measuring cup (similar) makes mixing cocktails at home super easy.
Add fresh lime juice.
Top with tonic.
Give it a little stir and you're ready to enjoy!
I like to add cute drink accessories to my cocktails sometimes. I saw these custom drink stirrers on Etsy and had one made with my name on it. I think it turned out super cute! Plus you can use it to stir the drink and in place of garnish.
Top tips
- A gin and tonic is best when the ice has melted a little bit. It helps to smooth out the flavors of the gin.
- You can substitute the lime for lemon juice in this recipe and get a different flavor variation.
- Use other flavored simple syrups, like strawberry simple syrup, to change up the flavors.
- To make it a little boozier, you can add some Chambord or other blackberry liqueur in place of the flavored simple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be as strong or weak as you'd like! When making cocktails at home, feel free to use less of the gin than a recipe calls for and taste then adjust accordingly.
A classic gin and tonic is 2 parts gin to 4 parts tonic. In the case of this blackberry version, you will keep that base ratio and add the flavored simple syrup to it.
The best way to get intense fruit flavor into a cocktail is by making it into a flavored simple syrup. But if you don't like sweet drinks, simply use less sugar in the simple syrup recipe. I typically use ¼ cup of sugar when it says to use 1 cup.
A Blackberry Gin and Tonic is a refreshing drink to enjoy any time of year!
Related Recipes
Or see my collections of Moscow Mule Variations, Vodka Cocktails, and Wine Cocktails.
Blackberry Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
- 4 oz tonic water
- 2 oz. gin
- 1 oz blackberry simple syrup
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 5 fresh blackberries, plus a few more for garnish
Instructions
- To a cocktail glass filled with ice add gin, blackberry simple syrup, fresh lime and tonic water. Give it a stir and sip.
- To a cocktail glass, add fresh blackberries and muddle.
- Add ice then gin, blackberry simple syrup and fresh lime juice.
- Top with tonic.
- Stir gently then garnish with fresh blackberries, lime wedge or a cute cocktail stirrer.
Notes
- A gin and tonic is best when the ice has melted a little bit. It helps to smooth out the flavors of the gin.
- You can substitute the lime for lemon juice in this recipe and get a different flavor variation.
- Use other flavored simple syrups, like strawberry simple syrup, to change up the flavors.
- To make it a little boozier, you can add some Chambord or other blackberry liqueur in place of the flavored simple syrup.
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