Blackberry Collins

Introduction

History

The Blackberry Collins is a modern variation of the classic Tom Collins, which dates back to the 1870s. The original Collins cocktail was made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served over ice in a large glass. Over the years, many variations have emerged, incorporating different fruits and flavors. The Blackberry Collins brings a fruity and slightly tart edge to the traditional recipe, making it a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing and flavorful drink.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor for your Blackberry Collins, use fresh blackberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Muddling the blackberries before adding them to the shaker will release their juices and enhance the flavor of the cocktail. If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain the mixture to remove the blackberry seeds and pulp. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Blackberry Collins in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a few whole blackberries and a slice of lemon for an extra touch of elegance. This cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers or seafood dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Muddling the blackberries is a key technique in preparing a Blackberry Collins. This involves gently crushing the berries in the bottom of the shaker to release their juices and flavors. Be sure to shake the cocktail vigorously with ice to chill it thoroughly before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sugar syrup on hand, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. For a less sweet version, simply reduce the amount of syrup or omit it altogether. Vodka can be used in place of gin for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sugar syrup and muddle the blackberries ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to mix your cocktails. This will save time and allow you to serve your drinks quickly and efficiently.

Presentation Ideas

For an Instagram-worthy presentation, garnish your Blackberry Collins with a sprig of fresh mint or basil. You can also add a decorative straw or a cocktail umbrella for a fun and festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

The Blackberry Collins pairs wonderfully with light and fresh dishes, such as salads, grilled vegetables, or seafood. The cocktail's acidity and fruitiness also make it a great match for creamy or rich foods, balancing out the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

As a fresh cocktail, the Blackberry Collins is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. It is not recommended to store or reheat this drink, as the flavors and carbonation will diminish over time.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Blackberry Collins contains approximately 180 calories. The majority of these calories come from the gin and the sugar syrup.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Blackberry Collins contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar syrup and the natural sugars in the blackberries and lemon juice.

Fats

The Blackberry Collins is virtually fat-free, making it a light and refreshing choice for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

This cocktail contains negligible amounts of protein, as it is primarily composed of gin, fruits, and sugar syrup.

Vitamins and minerals

Blackberries are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Lemon juice also adds a modest amount of Vitamin C. However, the amounts present in a single serving of Blackberry Collins are relatively small, so it should not be relied upon as a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

The Blackberry Collins is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and eggs. However, those with allergies to blackberries or citrus should avoid this cocktail.

Summary

The Blackberry Collins is a low-fat, moderate-calorie cocktail that offers a small amount of vitamins and minerals from the blackberries and lemon juice. It is a refreshing choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful drink without a significant amount of calories or allergens.

Summary

The Blackberry Collins is a delightful and easy-to-make cocktail that combines the classic flavors of gin and lemon with the sweet and tart notes of blackberries. With its simple ingredients and refreshing taste, it's the perfect drink to enjoy on a warm summer day or at any festive occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, the Blackberry Collins is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I will always cherish. It all started many years ago when I was a young girl living in the countryside. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had a neighbor named Mrs. Jenkins who was known for her delicious blackberry treats. Mrs. Jenkins would often invite us over for tea and treat us to her famous blackberry pie or blackberry jam.

One day, Mrs. Jenkins surprised us with a refreshing blackberry cocktail she called the Blackberry Collins. It was a simple yet elegant drink made with fresh blackberries, gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. The combination of sweet and tart flavors was simply divine, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She explained each step in detail, from muddling the blackberries to shaking the cocktail with ice. I watched closely as she prepared the drink, taking mental notes of every ingredient and technique she used. Mrs. Jenkins had a way of making cooking look effortless, and I was determined to master the art of making Blackberry Collins just like her.

After that day, I began experimenting with the recipe in my own kitchen. I picked fresh blackberries from the bushes in our garden and gathered the rest of the ingredients from our pantry. I followed Mrs. Jenkins' instructions to the letter, carefully measuring each ingredient and mixing them together with care. The first few attempts were not perfect, but with each try, I honed my skills and perfected the recipe.

As I grew older, I continued to make Blackberry Collins for my family and friends, who always raved about how delicious it was. The cocktail became a staple at our gatherings, a refreshing drink that everyone looked forward to. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the knowledge that Mrs. Jenkins had so generously shared with me.

Over the years, I have made Blackberry Collins countless times, each batch reminding me of that first time I tasted it at Mrs. Jenkins' house. The drink has become a symbol of friendship and community, a reminder of the bonds we form through food and drink. I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to this wonderful recipe, and for inspiring me to become the cook that I am today.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of Blackberry Collins for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back. The sweet scent of blackberries fills the air, bringing back the taste of that first sip all those years ago. I am grateful for the culinary journey that led me to this recipe, and for the people who have shared their knowledge with me along the way.

As I raise my glass to toast to good food, good friends, and good memories, I know that the tradition of making Blackberry Collins will live on for generations to come. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will pass on this recipe to their own loved ones, just as I did with them. Cheers to Mrs. Jenkins, to good food, and to the simple joys of life.

Categories

| American Recipes | Blackberry Recipes | Gin Drink Recipes | Simple Syrup Recipes | Soda Water Recipes |

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