BOURBON WITH BLACKBERRIES, LEMON, & ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR

Bourbon with summer blackberries, mint, lemon, and elderflower liqueur. This is one delicious cocktail.

1 ½ cups fresh blackberries (leave out 8 whole berries for garnish)

2 T raw or cane sugar (you can also use two packets Stevia extract)

12 fresh mint leaves 

¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 T St Germain Elderflower Liqueur

1 cup Maker’s Mark Bourbon

4 dashes lemon bitters

2 sprigs fresh mint, for garnish

8 whole blackberries, for garnish

2 round slices lemon, cut in half, for garnish

In a small saucepan, add the blackberries, sugar or Stevia, and mint. 

Heat over medium-low while mashing berries and mint with a wooden spoon or muddler.
Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for about 15 minutes.

Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher; gently pushing on berries to release all of the juices. Discard pulp.

Add the lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, bourbon, and bitters.

Pour into 4 bourbon glasses ¾ full with ice cubes.

Add a cocktail pick with 2 blackberries and a lemon slice.

Garnish with a mint sprig.

Makes 4 drinks