Blackberry Mandarin Basil Vodka Cocktails

A fresh, fruity cocktail made with juicy blackberries, mandarin orange, fresh lemon, and fragrant basil. Vodka and triple sec bring everything together for a bright, refreshing drink.

Yield: 2 drinks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Special Equipment: cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer

Ingredients

• 3 oz vodka

• 2 oz fresh squeezed mandarin orange juice

• 2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice

• 1 oz triple sec

• 12 to 16 fresh blackberries

• 8 to 12 fresh basil leaves

• ½ to 1 oz simple syrup, optional

• Ice

Directions

1. Add the blackberries and 8 basil leaves to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle until the berries release their juices and the basil becomes fragrant.

2. Add the vodka, mandarin orange juice, lemon juice, triple sec, and ½ oz simple syrup if using. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds.

3. Strain evenly into two glasses filled with fresh ice. Double strain for a smoother cocktail without blackberry seeds or basil pieces.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional simple syrup if desired. Garnish with fresh blackberries, a basil leaf, and a mandarin or lemon slice.