It is really hot here in Houston in July, so we need drinks that are super refreshing. So far this summer this Blueberry Gin & Tonic is my new “go to” drink. I tried this recipe with blackberries as well, but blackberries are more difficult to crush, and I do not always have them around. Since I eat blueberries every morning, they are always in my fridge. Most recipes call for boiling the blueberries with sugar. I do not need any extra sugar in my life. Muddling the blueberries, instead of boiling them, is a fresher and healthier approach in my opinion.
My favorite tonic is Fever Tree… I buy it at Whole Foods. You need fresh organic blueberries, gin and a fresh lime.
You can also add mint leaves to this recipe, along with the blueberries.
In a glass, add a small handful of blueberries (roughly 12-15). But actually there is no need to count the blueberries, there is no way to mess this recipe up. Squeeze 1/2 of a lime into the cup with the blueberries.
Now muddle your blueberries. I just bought my muddler at Williams Sonoma, it is made by OXO. If you do not have one than simply use a fork.
My muddled mixture.
Measure 3 ounces of gin into your glass.
Add the tonic to the mixture and stir.
Strain the mixture into a pourable measuring cup. Do not press the mixture in the strainer (simply let it drip), otherwise it will cloud your drink.
If you are a perfectionist you may strain the mixture once more, since little particles can slip through. I usually am too impatient for this second finer strainer step.
BLUEBERRY GIN & TONIC RECIPE
Serves: 1 person
Prep Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
small handful of blueberries
juice of 1/2 lime
3 ounces gin
6-7 ounces tonic
OPTIONAL INGREDIENT
Mint leaves
PREPARATION
Place a small handful of blueberries into a glass.
Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime into the glass as well.
Muddle the blueberries till they are broken up and mushy.
Add 3 ounces of gin to the glass.
Add the bottle of tonic.
Stir to combine and strain into a pourable glass. Do not push the blueberry mixture through the strainer, let it drip by itself, so your liquid does not become cloudy.
Strain again for a finer filter.
Pour into a wine glass filled with ice.
Good luck having just one.