When it’s hot outside, sometimes you need to shake up a cold drink! Nothing says summertime quite like my Blackberry Balerine Martini.
Several years ago, we discovered one of our now favorite restaurants, Fachini, located at Highland Park Village. It’s the kind of place that always promises excellent food and a really good time. On our very first visit, I ordered a cocktail from the menu called a Blackberry Balerine Martini. It sounded cool, and refreshing and it was!
I’m not sure what famed mixologist created this delightful libation but I enjoyed it very much. It was always my go-to until one day it was missing form the menu. What? I hate it when that happens!
Alas, I was destined to create my own version of this beauty. Click over to my Instagram account and you can see me shaking up a Blackberry Balerine Martini at a recent cooking class!
Keep reading for the delicious recipe and a great idea for a simple weekend menu!
This weekend, why don’t you start with a cheeseboard and a few Blackberry Balerines. For dinner I suggest my Blush Chicken Pasta, recipe in my Fox News post, and a glass of red wine! If we stay inside, we won’t even notice the heat!
Enjoy!
Blackberry Balerine Martini
1 ounce blackberry syrup
2 ounces vodka
Fresh lemon squeeze
ice
1-ounce sparkling water
Garnish with mint if desired
Shake blackberry, vodka, and lemon with ice well. Pour into a chilled glass and top with sparkling water.
Blackberry Syrup
6 ounces of blackberries rinsed
¾ cup water
¾ cup sugar
Squeeze fresh lemon
Add blackberries, sugar, and water to a small saucepan and heat over medium until the mixture begins to simmer. Mash blackberries with the back of a spoon and continue to simmer, stirring often for 5 minutes. Allow mixture to cool slightly before adding lemon and straining through a fine mesh sieve to remove blackberry seeds.
If you’re craving Italian food in spite of the heat, like me, join the FUN for Positano Dreams! We’re going to stay cool with Limoncello Spritzers and Lemon Ice!
Positano Dreams- Friday, July 28th 10:30-2:30 In Positano the saying goes…” When life gives you lemons, make a Limoncello Spritzer.” After being captivated by the Amalfi coast, it’s beauty, warm people and outstanding food, I’ll strive to inspire you to make warm memories in your homes with these outstanding dishes from this impressive region. We’ll kick off the fun by learning to make Homemade Limoncello and we will craft Limoncello Spritzers, ideal for sipping on for hours on end! We’ll make an updated colorful version of the caprese salad READ MORE!
