Refreshing Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer (Easy Cocktail!)

Get ready to sip on pure refreshment with this incredible Blackberry Cucumber Gin Spritzer! (Though the cucumber is more of a fun garnish, the real stars here are the blackberries and mint!) This delightful cocktail combines muddled fresh blackberries and mint with gin, a homemade blackberry simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish. I absolutely adore this Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer - the flavors are so bright, fresh, and perfect for welcoming warmer weather, especially on a beautiful spring evening like today, May 6th! It's surprisingly easy to make and tastes like summer in a glass.

Why You'll Love This Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer

• Incredibly Refreshing: The combination of blackberries, mint, lime, and soda is super thirst-quenching.
• Fresh & Fruity Flavors: Highlights the delicious taste of fresh blackberries and aromatic mint.
• Easy Homemade Syrup: The simple blackberry simple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor and sweetness.
• Perfect Spring/Summer Cocktail: Light, bubbly, and ideal for patio sipping or entertaining.
• Beautiful Presentation: Looks gorgeous with the fresh berry, mint, and cucumber garnishes.

Ingredients for Blackberry Cucumber Gin Spritzers

Here's what you'll need to mix up this refreshing gin cocktail. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Blackberry Simple Syrup

• Blackberries (fresh or frozen) (Fruit)
• Sugar (Sweetener)
• Water (Liquid)

Cocktail

• Blackberries (a small handful, plus extra for garnish) (Fruit)
• Mint leaves (a few, plus extra for garnish) (Herb)
• Gin (Liquor)
• Blackberry simple syrup (from above) (Sweetener/Flavoring)
• Freshly squeezed lime juice (Acid)
• Lemon-lime soda (a few splashes) (Soda)
• Crushed ice (Ice)

Garnish (Optional)

• Spiralized or sliced cucumbers
• Lime wedges

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the classic blackberry-mint pairing, but feel free to customize your Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer:

• Different Berries: Use raspberries or muddled strawberries instead of blackberries in the drink and/or for the syrup.
• Different Herbs: Try basil instead of mint for an interesting twist.
• Other Spirits: Vodka or white rum would also work well in place of gin.
• Make it Less Sweet: Reduce the amount of simple syrup or use unsweetened sparkling water instead of lemon-lime soda.
• Add Spice: Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño along with the blackberries and mint for a spicy kick.
• No Soda: Omit the lemon-lime soda and add a bit more lime juice and simple syrup for a more classic "smash" style drink, served over ice.

How to Make a Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer

Making this refreshing Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer involves a quick homemade syrup and some fun muddling:

Make the Blackberry Simple Syrup

1. First, I prepare the easy blackberry simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, I combine 1 cup of blackberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water.
2. I bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Once boiling, I let it boil gently for about 2 minutes, perhaps mashing the berries slightly.
4. I remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely with the blackberries steeping in it.
5. Once cooled, I strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar or container, pressing gently on the solids to extract all the syrupy goodness. I discard the solids. (This syrup stores wonderfully in the fridge!)

Muddle and Shake the Cocktail

1. When I'm ready to make the drink, I add crushed ice to my serving glass (a highball or collins glass is nice).
2. In the bottom of the same serving glass (or a separate sturdy mixing glass if preferred), I add a small handful of fresh blackberries and a few fresh mint leaves.
3. Using a muddler, I gently press and twist the blackberries and mint leaves until they have released their juices and fragrant oils. I don't want to pulverize them, just bruise them nicely.
4. To a separate cocktail shaker, I add a handful of regular ice cubes.
5. I add the gin, the homemade blackberry simple syrup (1 ½ ounces), and the freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
6. I secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until the shaker is very cold.

Assemble and Serve

1. Pour shaken mixture into prepared glass (over muddled fruit/mint and ice).
2. Top with lemon-lime soda.
3. Garnish and serve!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Gin Spritzer

Here are my secrets for making the perfect Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer:

• Use Fresh Blackberries & Mint: These provide the best, most vibrant flavor for both muddling and the syrup.
• Muddle Gently: Release the essence without over-bruising the mint (which can make it bitter) or completely mashing the berries into a pulp if you want some texture.
• Cool Syrup Completely: Ensure the blackberry simple syrup is fully cooled before using it in the cocktail shaker with ice.
• Quality Gin: Use a gin you enjoy, as its botanical notes will complement the fruit and herbs. A London Dry style works well.
• Adjust Sweetness/Tartness: Taste the drink before adding the soda (or after) and adjust the simple syrup or lime juice slightly if needed.
• Don't Drown in Soda: Add just a few good splashes of lemon-lime soda for fizz and a touch of sweetness - you still want the gin, blackberry, mint, and lime to shine.

How to Serve

This Blackberry Cucumber Gin Spritzer (with cucumber as garnish!) is best served immediately while cold and bubbly! Enjoy it:

• Chilled: In a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
• Garnished Beautifully: With a squeeze of fresh lime, spiralized or thin cucumber ribbons artfully placed in the glass, extra fresh blackberries, and a sprig of fresh mint.
• For Spring/Summer Entertaining: A perfect, refreshing signature cocktail for garden parties, BBQs, or patio sipping.
• As an Aperitif: A light and refreshing start to an evening.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Blackberry Simple Syrup: The star make-ahead component! Store the cooled, strained syrup in an airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Cocktail: This spritzer is best assembled fresh just before serving to maintain its carbonation and the freshness of the muddled ingredients.

FAQs about Blackberry Mint Gin Spritzer

• Can I use frozen blackberries for the syrup or muddling?
  • Yes! Frozen blackberries work well for both. Thaw them before muddling for easier juice release. No need to thaw for the syrup.
• What if I don't have gin?
  • Vodka would be a good neutral substitute. White rum could also work for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Can I make this non-alcoholic?
  • Absolutely! Omit the gin. Muddle the blackberries and mint, add the blackberry simple syrup and lime juice to a glass with ice, and top generously with lemon-lime soda or plain sparkling water for a delicious Blackberry Mint Fizz Mocktail.

Enjoy this incredibly refreshing, fruity, herbaceous, and easy-to-make Blackberry Cucumber Gin Spritzer! It's a perfect sip for warmer days.

Print