10 best blackberry drinks to try – cocktails, mocktails and more
Make the most of seasonal blackberries in one of these fruity drinks, from smoothies and mocktails, to DIY infused alcohol and chic cocktail recipes
If you've been blackberry picking and now have a glut to use, or even if you just picked up a punnet from the supermarket, we've got the recipes for you. Once you've had your fill of crumble and bakes (try blackberry bakewell squares to share or smart dark chocolate, blackberry & bay pavlovas for a dinner party dessert), why not try using your haul in one of our blackberry drinks?
We've got recipes for all times of day: kick off the morning with a refreshing frozen blackberry smoothie, have a zingy blackberry lemonade at lunchtime or end the day with one of our blackberry cocktail recipes. Blackberries are also great for infusing your own homemade alcohols, and we've got recipes for gin, vodka or blackberry liqueur.
For more cocktail inspiration, check out our best raspberry cocktail recipes guide and browse our top picks of easy fruity cocktails you can make in minutes for a speedy DIY happy hour.
1. Bramble
A bramble is perhaps the most well-known blackberry cocktail recipe. A classic bramble uses blackberry liqueur, but we've included a fresh fruit twist that adds muddled fresh berries for an extra boost of colour and flavour.
2. Blackberry gin
Blackberry gin is a great starting point for infusing your own alcohol. Bottle the taste of late summer by simply mixing blackberries, gin and sugar together in a sterilised jar and leaving to infuse before straining. You could even use your finished blackberry gin in the bramble recipe above.
3. Zingy blackberry lemonade
This zingy blackberry lemonade is the ultimate refresher for a late summer day. Blackberries are mixed with mint and lemon for a perfect balance of sweet and sour – pack a bottle for a picnic and top up with sparkling water.
4. Blackberry liqueur (crème de mure)
Syrupy blackberry liqueur requires only three ingredients to make at home and lasts up to a year, so it's great for gifting. Add a splash to champagne for a subtle twist on a kir royale.
5. Frozen blackberry smoothie
For hot summer mornings or a chilled mocktail option, this frozen blackberry smoothie recipe is one you'll always come back to. Blackberries, banana, stem ginger and pomegranate juice are a clever combination that are simply blended together for a drink that can be ready in under 10 minutes.
6. Blackberry gin fizz
If you've made the blackberry gin above, try using it in this blackberry gin fizz cocktail. This elegant sparkling drink has a signature frothy top and is mixed with sparkling water. Garnish with a fresh berry.
7. Blackberry vodka
If vodka is your chosen tipple instead of gin, try this easy blackberry vodka recipe. Another great way to use a pile of berries, it takes just 5 minutes to mix everything together before infusing for a couple of weeks.
8. Blackberry & beetroot smoothie
This bold blackberry smoothie recipe is sure to brighten up your morning. It's packed with fruit and veg, including kale, beetroot and pear, so it's a great way to start the day with some of your five-a-day.
9. Mock mulled wine
This non-alcoholic 'mulled wine' is a great mocktail the whole family can enjoy. Pomegranate juice and blackberries are simmered with sugar, spices and apple juice for a fruity, warming drink that is ideal for cold evenings.
10. Beastly blackberry & bay lemonade mocktail
If you still have blackberries around Halloween (or have frozen a summer stash), their bold purple colour makes them ideal for a Halloween cocktail or mocktail. This beastly blackberry mocktail has added depth from an aromatic bay sugar syrup, and is garnished with a lychee for a spooky touch.
More cocktail inspiration
Summer cocktail recipes
Vodka cocktail recipes
Retro cocktail recipes
Best ever frozen cocktail recipes
Best pink gin cocktail recipes
Best tequila cocktails
Jug cocktail recipes
Prosecco cocktail recipes
Vodka cucumber lemonade recipe
Spiced bloody mary shots
Comments, questions and tips
