Recently while visiting Dutchmans Designs, a quaint little shop on the Georgia coast, I picked up Porch Parties by Denise Gee, a fabulous book containing cocktail recipes and easy ideas for outdoor entertaining. Right away, I wanted to try this Blackberry Smash. Made with my favorite fruit and refreshing ingredients like mint leaves and lemon juice, it’s definitely a keeper.

You’ll need a cocktail shaker. Muddle 16 fresh blackberries and 10 fresh mint leaves. If you don’t have a fancy muddle tool, just use a wooden spoon. Add rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and 1/2 cup of ginger ale. Then drop some ice cubes in and stir, don’t shake.

Pour into a tall cocktail glass and top off with ginger ale to taste. Garnish with blackberries and fresh mint. It’s cold and fruity, the perfect complement to summer.

Here’s the recipe:
10 Fresh Mint Leaves
16 Fresh Blackberries
1/2 Cup Rye Whiskey
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons Simple Syrup
1/2 Cup Ginger Ale, plus more for topping off
Skewers of blackberries for garnish (optional)

Let me know if you try it!