Blackberry and Mint Gin Rickey

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This is definitely one of our favorite cocktail recipes. Not only does it taste amazing and is so incredibly refreshing, but it also serves as entertainment with its color changing magic.

We specifically use Empress 1908 Gin for this cocktail because it contains the essence of butterfly pea blossom, a Southeastern Asian flower that changes the color of the gin from a beautiful violet-blue color and to a light pink when an acidic ingredient is added.

While you can absolutely use your favorite gin to make this cocktail, we love the color change! Seriously, this is not sponsored at all. We just love it! Pair the show with the refreshing flavors of gin, lime, blackberry and mint, and you will have yourself quite an enjoyable experience.

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What is a Gin Rickey?

Well, a Gin Rickey is a cocktail that is made with gin, lime juice, and seltzer water and typically served in a highball or Collins glass.

The drink is named after Colonel Joe Rickey who was said to have first requested it at his favorite Washington D.C. Bar, Shoomaker’s in 1883. While rickeys can be made with various types of alcohol, the Gin Rickey tends to be the most popular and our personal favorite!

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Ingredients for blackberry & mint gin rickey

Making the best blackberry and mint Gin Rickey requires just a few ingredients! We can't express it enough how incredibly refreshing this drink is! Seriously, summer in a glass. Here's what you need:

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• Empress 1908 Gin (or your favorite gin): This award-winning gin is known for its beautiful indigo color and fantastic citrus and herbal flavor. The color comes from the addition of butterfly pea blossoms. This gin has a complex yet subtle juniper flavor that makes it perfect for those who are not fans of traditionally dry gins.
• Prat Standard Blackberry-Mint Syrup: Prat Standard Cocktail Company is a Washington D.C. Based company that specializes in making cocktail syrups. They hand-craft all of their syrups in small batches and you can definitely tell by the taste. No artificial flavors here. You can certainly make this drink without using this syrup but we love how it brings everything together and adds a different depth of flavor and sweetness.
• Simple Syrup: This is a neutral-flavored syrup used to elevate the gin flavor and balance the acidity of both the gin and lime juice. The syrup is made by briefly simmering equal parts granulated sugar and water. Cool before using.
• Club Soda: Club soda is present to bring some carbonation to the drink and clean everything up. The club soda is responsible for that nice smooth finish.
• Lime Juice: While fresh lime juice is the preferred option for this drink, you can still use lemon juice instead, in the same amount.
• Fresh Blackberry/Mint: You can really use any berries/complementary herb combination you want here but we really like to double-dip with the fresh blackberries and mint paired with the syrup. If you need help finding complementary flavors, check out one of our favorite cookbooks:The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dorenburg.

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Tips on making the best homemade graham crackers

Don’t be afraid to alter the recipe and ratios of ingredients based on your preferences. If you prefer boozy drinks, by all means, pour a heavy hand of gin and get down with your bad self! If not, you’re still cool, add some more syrup or lime juice depending how much sweetness you like. We don’t judge!

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We hope you enjoy this refreshing and citrusy blackberry and mint Gin Rickey.

Cheers and drink well!