Here’s my go-to mulberry gin cocktail recipe, with fresh-picked mulberries, a splash of lime juice, and good quality gin, all mixed together with a hint of simple syrup and topped with fizzy soda water.
This cocktail has become my summer evening favorite, especially when mulberries are in season. I like to make a big batch when friends come over for dinner parties. Nothing beats sipping these on the back porch while watching the sunset, don’t you think?
Why You’ll Love This Mulberry Gin Cocktail
- Quick preparation – This cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes with a simple shake and pour – no complicated bartending skills needed.
- Fresh, fruity flavor – The combination of mulberry gin and blackberry liqueur creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, while fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy kick.
- Beautiful presentation – With its deep purple hue and fresh fruit garnish, this drink looks like it came from a high-end cocktail bar, but you can make it right at home.
- Simple ingredients – You only need three main ingredients plus ice to create this sophisticated cocktail – perfect for when you want something special without a long shopping list.
What Kind of Mulberry Gin Should I Use?
Mulberry gin isn’t as common as regular gin, but you’ve got a few good options for this cocktail. The most straightforward choice is to use a store-bought mulberry gin like Whitley Neill or Bramley & Gage – these are specially crafted with mulberries and have a consistent flavor that works well in cocktails. If you can’t find mulberry gin at your local store, you can actually make your own by infusing regular gin with fresh or dried mulberries for about 3-4 weeks. When choosing a gin to infuse, pick a quality London Dry gin as your base since its juniper notes pair really well with the sweet-tart flavor of mulberries. Just make sure to strain your homemade infusion well before using it in cocktails.
Options for Substitutions
Need to switch things up with this cocktail? Here are some handy substitutions you can try:
- Mulberry gin: If you can’t find mulberry gin, you can use regular gin and add 1/2 ounce of mulberry syrup. No mulberry syrup? Try using regular gin and adding an extra 1/2 ounce of blackberry liqueur instead.
- Blackberry liqueur: Crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur) can be replaced with Chambord (raspberry liqueur) or even a homemade berry syrup. For syrup, use 3/4 ounce instead of 1 ounce since it’s less potent than liqueur.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice works best, but if needed, lime juice can work too. Just avoid bottled lemon juice as it won’t give you the same fresh taste.
- Garnish: No fresh blackberries? Try using raspberries, blueberries, or a twist of lemon peel. The garnish is mostly for looks, so feel free to get creative!
- Crushed ice: Regular ice cubes work fine if you don’t have crushed ice. Just give them a quick wrap in a clean kitchen towel and gently crush with a rolling pin.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest mistake when crafting this mulberry gin cocktail is eyeballing your measurements – even small variations can throw off the balance between the sweet mulberry gin and tart lemon juice, so always use a proper jigger or measuring tool. The second common error is using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh – the artificial taste can overpower the delicate mulberry notes, so take the extra minute to squeeze your lemons right before mixing. When it comes to ice, using large cubes instead of properly crushed ice will prevent the drink from getting that perfect level of dilution and chill – spend the extra time to crush your ice properly, either in a Lewis bag or by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and giving it a few good whacks. Finally, make sure to strain the cocktail well to avoid any unwanted ice shards that could water down your perfectly balanced drink.
What to Serve With Mulberry Gin Cocktails?
This fruity cocktail pairs wonderfully with light appetizers that won’t overpower its delicate berry and citrus flavors. I like to serve it alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses like brie or fresh mozzarella, plus some crackers and fresh fruit. Small bites like prosciutto-wrapped melon or smoked salmon crostini make excellent companions since they complement rather than compete with the drink’s flavors. If you’re hosting happy hour, a bowl of mixed nuts or marinated olives provides just the right amount of saltiness to balance the cocktail’s sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: The mulberry gin itself can be kept in a sealed bottle in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once you’ve mixed your cocktail ingredients together though, it’s best to enjoy it right away while the ice is fresh and the flavors are at their peak.
Batch Prep: Want to prep for a party? You can mix the mulberry gin, lemon juice, and blackberry liqueur up to 24 hours ahead. Keep the mixture in a sealed container in the fridge, then just add ice and garnishes when you’re ready to serve.
Garnish Tips: If you’re prepping garnishes ahead of time, keep lemon slices and blackberries in separate containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, ready whenever you want to mix up a cocktail.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 0-1 g
- Fat: 0-1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
Ingredients
- lemon slice (for garnish)
- blackberries (for garnish)
- 1 fl oz blackberry liqueur (such as Crème de Mûre Marie Brizard)
- 2 fl oz mulberry gin
- crushed ice
- 1 fl oz fresh lemon juice
Step 1: Prepare the Glass with Ice
Start by filling a rocks glass with crushed ice.
Fill it to the brim to ensure your cocktail stays refreshingly cool.
Step 2: Mix the Gin and Lemon Juice
In a cocktail shaker, combine the mulberry gin and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Shake the mixture for a couple of seconds to blend the flavors together.
It’s not necessary to shake for long since the gin and juice are already liquid and just need a quick mix.
Step 3: Pour the Mixture Over Ice
Once shaken, pour the gin and lemon juice mixture over the crushed ice in your rocks glass.
Allow the liquid to seep through the ice, cooling it as it goes.
Step 4: Add the Crème de Mûre
Gently and slowly pour the crème de mûre over the top of the mixture in a circular motion.
This will create a visually appealing layer and help infuse the drink with the rich berry flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your cocktail with a lemon half wheel and a few fresh blackberries.
These not only add a touch of elegance but also enhance the flavor profile.
Serve with short, skinny straws for easy sipping.
Enjoy your beautifully layered and fruity cocktail!
