now in season: blackberries + a blackberry lime cocktail

This post was going to be a meditation on the simple things because that is the type of meditation blackberries inspire. Thoughts on ephemeral pleasures like fresh blackberries, rinsed and eaten immediately over the sink. Or maybe sitting down, with yogurt and honey. Or on a picnic, dark purple juice dripping down the chins of kids and babies. And that’s how we ate the first few pints of blackberries this summer, but then this week I looked at the carton of berries on the counter and just really wanted a cocktail.

So that’s what I made. It’s Friday. Let’s all take a load off, have a drink (or three), enjoy the sun, and watch the blue moon rise tonight. Go to the beach. Savor the long weekend to the fullest.

And remember, fresh blackberries make just about everything better. Like, say, cheesecake.

P.S. Looking for a mocktail for the weekend’s festivities? Check out our kid-friendly blackberry limeade over on Babble.com’s Family Kitchen.

Blackberry Lime Cocktails
serves 2

2 cups whole blackberries (or just over 1/2 cup mashed)
1/3 – 1/2 cup sugar
juice of 6 limes, or just over 1/2 cup
pinch of salt
3 shots of vodka
whole blackberries, lime slices, and mint for garnish

In a large shaker, mash the blackberries and add the sugar. Add more sugar for tart berries, and less for sweet ones. Set aside for 15 minutes while you juice the limes.

Next, add a bunch of ice to the shaker, add the lime juice and vodka, and shake vigorously for about thirty seconds.

Fill two highballs with ice and strain in the blackberry lime mixture, filling to the top. Finish with a squeeze of lime and garnish with a lime wedge, whole blackberries, and a sprig of mint.