I always feel there’s something mysterious and sophisticated when it comes to bourbon. Pair it with a hint of sweet, tart, and zesty flavors, and you’ve got this bourbon blackberry lemonade. It’s the perfect cocktail for social gatherings and special occasions alike, and it’s one of my favorites!
Elevate your basic lemonade with the depth of a delicious bourbon, and then add the vibrant flavor of fresh blackberries to the mix.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spirituous notes in a cocktail that’s perfect for backyard summer nights and special occasions alike.
I love to serve mine in smoky glasses as I really think it adds to the dark and mysterious vibes this drink gives me, but regular rocks glasses are equally nice so you can enjoy the luxurious colors.
With just 4 required ingredients (plus ice), this is a simple cocktail to make, but don’t let that fool you, it’s still delicious! Of course, like most cocktails, there are a lot of adjustments and variations you can try to really make it your own!
Gathering the Ingredients
2 ounces bourbon
4 ounces prepared lemonade
6 blackberries (about 2 Tbsp pureed)
¼ cup blackberry lemon sparkling water
Ice cubes
For a Pitcher (Serves Approximately 6)
2 cups bourbon
4 cups lemonade
2 cups fresh blackberries
2 cups blackberry lemon sparkling water
Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
I’m using Simply Lemonade, but you can use any brand, homemade, or even a powdered mix. Feel free to use light lemonade as well
I prefer to blend and strain my blackberries (I use a food processor and a fine mesh strainer) because of the seeds, but you can also muddle them, or boil them in sugar water to create blackberry simple syrup
The sparkling water can be swapped for lemon or blackberry only flavors, or you can use Sprite. Alternatively, use plain club soda and add blackberry simple syrup for sweetness
For a sweeter drink, feel free to add up to 1 Tbsp of honey or agave
Optional garnishes could be a lemon slice, skewer of blackberries, or a fresh mint leaf
Variations: Try this drink with whiskey, blackberry brandy, or blackberry moonshine instead of bourbon. Omit the alcohol altogether for a refreshing mocktail that’s kid approved!
Crown Royal Blackberry Whiskey Variation
Since I originally developed this recipe, Crown Royal has released a brand new blackberry flavored whiskey. It is a seasonal release, arriving in late February and early March, intended to be around for Spring and into Summer.
The best part about this release is that it provides a shortcut for making this recipe, albeit swapping blackberry whiskey for the bourbon. However, you get to skip all that mashing and straining of fresh berries since the flavor is already in the alcohol!
Using Crown blackberry as a base allows you to pare the drink recipe down to just two basic ingredients. Of course, you can mix in fresh fruit or some other additions to make it your own!
If you want to see some recommendations for proportions and pairings, check out my recipe for Crown Blackberry Lemonade, which is similar to this cocktail but features the new spirit front and center.
How to Prepare Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
Puree and strain your blackberries, or muddle in the bottom of a glass
Combine the blackberries, bourbon, and lemonade in a glass and stir to mix
Add in ice cubes (I use about 3-4 full size cubes)
Top with the sparkling water
Garnish with a slice of lemon if desired and enjoy!
Pitcher Directions
Combine the blackberries, bourbon, and lemonade in a pitcher, then store in the refrigerator until ready to serve
Fill a glass with ice, then pour the lemonade over the top to around ⅔ full
Top with sparkling water and serve
Recommended Appetizers and Snacks to Complement the Drink
Goat cheese
Manchego cheese
Gouda cheese
Brie
Prosciutto
Puff pastry
Caprese skewers
Bruschetta
Ricotta toast
Pretzels
Popcorn
Salted nuts
Crackers
Dark chocolate truffles
Chicken wings
Bacon wrapped scallops
Candied bacon
Cocktail sausages
Bourbon cocktail meatballs
There are lots of great appetizers and snacks that pair perfectly with your cocktail. Opt for using bourbon in the sauce, or swapping blackberries in for other fruits in dishes to make them even more complimentary!
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries if fresh ones are not available. However, keep in mind that using frozen berries might slightly affect the texture and appearance of the drink.
Thaw the blackberries before muddling for best results, to ensure the flavors are well incorporated into the drink.
What Type of Bourbon Works Best For This Drink?
For bourbon blackberry lemonade, you’ll want to choose a bourbon with a balanced flavor profile. Look for a bourbon that has both sweetness and subtle vanilla or caramel notes.
Brands like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace are popular choices for cocktails due to their versatility and smoothness.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Lemonade?
Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version of Bourbon Blackberry Lemonade, simply omit the bourbon.
You can still enjoy the delightful combination of fresh blackberries and zesty lemon for a refreshing and flavorful mocktail.
Can I Substitute Lemons With Other Citrus Fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like limes, grapefruits, or oranges for a different twist on the drink.
Lime juice can add a tangy and vibrant element, while orange juice can bring a sweeter and slightly floral note.
How Can I Make a Larger Batch For a Party?
To make a larger batch for a party, combine the lemonade, blackberries, and bourbon ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, fill individual glasses with ice and fill ⅔ full with the lemonade.
Top off with the sparkling water to fill the glass, and add any garnishes desired.
Recipe Pro Tips
How to muddle blackberries: Place in the bottom of a glass and use a blunt object like a muddler, or the end of a spoon, to press and twist the berries until they are fragrant and juicy
If you don’t like ice in your glass because it waters things down, combine the lemonade, berries, and bourbon in a shaker half filled with ice, shake for 30-60 seconds, then pour through a strainer into a glass and top with chilled sparkling water.
Ideal glassware for this recipe would be an 11-12 oz size rocks glass or a mason jar style glass!
Storage Tips
This cocktail is best stored without ice (for dilution reasons) and sparkling water (so it doesn’t go flat). To prepare in advance, combine the lemonade, blackberries, and bourbon and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Add ice and sparkling water before serving
The enticing combination of flavors in this bourbon blackberry lemonade makes it a winner in my cocktail repertoire! It’s perfect for summer because of the lemonade and fresh berries, but works equally well in fall with the rich notes from the bourbon.
Whether you enjoy it as an evening drink after a summer cookout, or around the fire on those cooler fall nights, it’s sure to be a winner either way.
Of course, you can change up ingredients as well to give things a different twist, with different bourbons or whiskeys, other citrus options, and even different fruit!
If you have lemonade left over, use it to make another berry infused cocktail, like my Raspberry Vodka Lemonade!
Easy Bourbon Blackberry Lemonade
This amazing bourbon blackberry lemonade requires just 4 ingredients (plus ice) and no shaker needed! This simple cocktail is perfect for both summer and fall!
Puree and strain your blackberries, or muddle them in the bottom of a glass
6 Blackberries
Combine the blackberries, bourbon, and lemonade in a glass and stir to mix
2 Ounces bourbon, 4 Ounces prepared lemonade
Add in ice cubes (I use about 3-4 full size cubes)
Ice cubes
Top with the sparkling water
¼ Cup blackberry lemon sparking water
Garnish with a slice of lemon if desired and enjoy!
Notes
I’m using Simply Lemonade, but you can use any brand, homemade, or even a powdered mix. Feel free to use light lemonade as well
I prefer to blend and strain my blackberries (I use a food processor and a fine mesh strainer) because of the seeds, but you can also muddle them, or boil them in sugar water to create blackberry simple syrup
The sparkling water can be swapped for lemon or blackberry only flavors, or you can use Sprite. Alternatively, use plain club soda and add blackberry simple syrup for sweetness
For a sweeter drink, feel free to add up to 1 Tbsp of honey or agave
Optional garnishes could be a lemon slice, skewer of blackberries, or a fresh mint leaf
Variations: Try this drink with whiskey, blackberry brandy, or blackberry moonshine instead of bourbon. Omit the alcohol altogether for a refreshing mocktail that’s kid approved!
Tips for how to muddle blackberries: Place in the bottom of a glass and use a blunt object like a muddler or the end of a spoon to press and twist the berries until they are fragrant and juicy
If you don’t like ice in your glass because it waters things down, combine the lemonade, berries, and bourbon in a shaker half filled with ice, shake for 30-60 seconds, then pour through a strainer into a glass and top with chilled sparkling water
This cocktail is best stored without ice (for dilution reasons) and sparkling water (so it doesn’t go flat). To prepare in advance, combine the lemonade, blackberries, and bourbon and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Add ice and sparkling water before serving
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
