3 Seasonal Blueberry Cocktails For Summer

Blueberries are available in bulk so put them to use in yummy summer cocktails.

Blueberries are everywhere and while I have yet to get my own bush, it’s a cinch to get them locally. And nothing says summer like sipping on cocktails at the beach, on the porch, at the pool, or wherever a drink is calling.



I like to stay away from unnecessary sugary mixers and other junk that just adds calories and eco-impact to your drink (more stuff = more impact on the planet, generally speaking). Organic spirits are also much easier on the planet because they typically use ingredients that are not treated with any chemicals and pesticides.

And if you're gonna have a cocktail, these aren't so bad for you, especially when you consider the benefits of blueberries. Blueberries are loaded, I mean loaded with antioxidants including anthocyanin, vitamin C, B complex, vitamin E, vitamin A, copper, selenium, zinc, and iron. And you know I like my garden fresh cocktails.

Blueberry Basil
8 basil leaves
4 mint leaves
1 tsp raw sugar
1 tbsp lime juice
12 local blueberries
1 1/2 oz rum
Top with soda water
Garnish with more blueberries
Method
1. Muddle basil, mint, sugar, and lime juice in base of a shaker glass. Add blueberries and continue to muddle. Add rum and ice and shake. Fill tall glass with ice and strain muddled rum mixture into the glass and top with club soda. Garnish with more blueberries.
Recipe adapted from Art of the Drink.

Blueberry Julep
1 1/2 oz organic vodka
1/2 oz blueberry liqueur
1/2 oz simple syrup
½ oz blueberry purée
Splash of sparkling wine
Garnish with mint
Method
1. Shake the vodka, liqueur, and simple syrup in a drink mixer. Top with puree and mix with a spoon. Top with champagne and garnish with mint.

Recipe adapted from The Nibble.

Acai Blueberry Mojito
2 oz organic vodka
½ oz simple syrup
½ oz acai juice
1 oz lime juice
Blueberries and mint leaves for garnish
Method
1. Shake the vodka, simple syrup, acai juice, and lime juice in a drink mixer. Garnish with blueberries and mint leaves.

Article by Sara Novak Courtesy of Planetgreen