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Hungry Girl Por Vida

Blackberry Ginger Smash

August 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Are you watching Orange is the New Black? If you are like me, then you burned through 13 episodes of this Netflix series as fast as you could…cause it’s pull-your-hair-out amazeballs. I mean, who else freaking wants to punch that confused, old man, Healy in the m-fing face?! He literally makes me shudder with rage and shriek at the TV and want to peel my own face off…or have a drink. He, and many other characters on that show…mostly the overly righteous, morally corrupt, prison officials and that crazy-B, Pennsyltucky. Dudes (and ladies) got no business judging, as most of them are more corrupt than a lot of the prison population they’re responsible for.  Don’t even get me started on Pornstache…this show makes my already swear-y nature even more pronounced…if you couldn’t tell. I should just calm down and opt for the drink thing, since being faceless sounds like a lot less of a fun time.

Aaaand, that’s my segue for this Blackberry Ginger Smash. Smooth…So, let’s discuss this cocktail! I did some quick internet sleuthing and found that a smash is a cocktail made by muddling mint with sugar, sometimes fruit, then you add booze and soda. I like dat.

So, I made this Blackberry Ginger Smash with juicy blackberries, spicy ginger syrup, fresh mint, bracing gin, a squeeze of bright lime, and some bubbly soda water. I added a Candied-Ginger-Mint Sugar for rimming the glass, for good measure. Maybe it’s just me, but often I find blackberries at the store to be a little tough, dry, and flavorless…this time, I found super juicy blackberries. The type whose tender skins yield at the gentlest touch, the kind I used to pick off the wild brambles every childhood summer in the Sierra Foothills. They were perfect gems and I was so excited to smash them into this drink. Oh! And to muddle, without a muddler, I used my friend Megan’s tip to use a honey dipper. That gal, she’s a smart cookie. So, if you can find the best blackberries you can and don’t know what to do with them…this drink is a good place to start…plus, it’s an excellent alternative to TV-shrieking/face-peeling.

[recipe]

Blackberry Ginger Smash

This is a really informal recipe, adjust the quantities to taste…even eliminate the gin for a refreshing soda. I like to layer this drink so there’s an ombre sitch happening. I find adding the ice after muddling but before adding the lime, gin, and soda, helps with this effect.

Makes 1 drink

4-6 juicy blackberries

3 big mint leaves

1/2 ounce ginger syrup

ice cubes

1 lime wedge

1 ounce gin

soda water

Candied-Ginger-Mint Sugar plus a lime wedge for garnish.

Place the Candied-Ginger-Mint Sugar on a plate. Take a wedge of lime and rub it along the edge of your cocktail glass, dip the glass into the sugar to coat the rim.

Place the blackberries, mint, and ginger syrup in the bottom of a rocks glass. Smash/muddle until the mint is bruised and the blackberries are squished. Add the ice cubes, followed by a squeeze of lime,  gin, and top of with soda water.

Ginger Syrup:

Make quick work of chopping the ginger by using a mini food processor…otherwise, get friendly with your knife.

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup chopped, fresh ginger root

1/2 cup water

In a saucepan combine all of the ingredients and heat to dissolve the sugar, bring to a boil, boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof jar, cool to room temperature, seal with a lid or cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Candied Ginger Mint Sugar:

2 tablespoons chopped, candied ginger

1 tablespoon fresh mint

2 tablespoons sugar

In a mini food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse! The end. [/recipe]

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Filed Under: beverage Tagged With: alcohol, beverage, blackberry, boozey, cocktail, drink, gin, ginger, lime, mint, seltzer, smash, soda water, syrup

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Megan

    August 8, 2013 at 5:03 am

    I’m so glad you’re totally IN where Orange is the New Black is concerned. I miss that season already.

    AND this drink looks awesome. I want to chug 3 while watching season 2. Healy can suck it.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 5:05 am

      He CAN suck it…I definitely said something similar, yet FAR more explicit along those lines at the end of the final episode. AH!

      Reply
  2. Holly

    August 8, 2013 at 5:21 am

    Omg, so yummy! I hate Healy and kind of want to be friends with Crazy Eyes…but at a safe distant! Loving the colours of your drink…and the glass?? So cool!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 5:26 am

      I like Crazy-Eyes, too! She’s harmless with a heart of gold…aside from the floor peeing.

      Reply
  3. Erika

    August 8, 2013 at 5:22 am

    I clearly need to get on that show… But not as much as I need to get on with this drink..This is a summer perfect cocktail. fo sho

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 5:25 am

      Yes and Yes…to both. Thanks girl!

      Reply
  4. Holly Turville

    August 8, 2013 at 5:58 am

    I’m so making this drink. Sounds like I should be watching that show, too!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 7:07 am

      Oh, it’s a good one!

      Reply
  5. Anna

    August 8, 2013 at 6:46 am

    ACK! Orange is the New Black totes requires a drink. I have a serious need to punch Pornstache in the face, and then I feel all conflicted because the actor who plays him is kinda hot (minus the ‘stache) and it’s SO CONFUSING! This drink might be just the ticket. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 7:08 am

      hahaha, I love this! He obviously has a tiny, baby boy heart too…in love like a stinkin’ puppy!

      Reply
  6. Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough

    August 8, 2013 at 6:58 am

    I haven’t watched this show you speak of yet but I’ve got a full night free tonight to get on it, so you best believe these cocktails will be accompanying me. I’M EXCITED.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 7:08 am

      oh, girl…you’re gonna love it!

      Reply
  7. Averie @ Averie Cooks

    August 8, 2013 at 6:58 am

    This sounds so good! I love blackberries and one of my fave liqueurs is Chambord. I need to try your drink!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 7:08 am

      thanks! my mom loves Chambord too!

      Reply
  8. Kasey

    August 8, 2013 at 8:47 am

    I am SO behind in TV shows I don’t even know what Orange is the New Black is. ahhh! That said, I’m totally getting into cocktail making (thanks to a new cocktail shaker and glasses purchased on a whim). This looks so, so good.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 9:17 am

      my addiction to TV is embarassing! and, if you can believe it…I don’t even have a cocktail shaker. This needs to be remedied. I can’t wait to see what you’ll make with your new goods, Kasey!!

      Reply
  9. ana @fit-fun-delish!

    August 8, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Apparently I’m one of the few people that hasn’t watched this show! I must fix this asap!

    Anyhow, the photos are beautiful! It makes me wish I was drinking one right now instead of being at work (and reading blogs) lol!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Yes! and thanks, Ana!

      Reply
  10. Billy

    August 8, 2013 at 10:36 am

    GUESS WHO WANTS AN ENTIRE PITCHER OF THIS BUSINESS?!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 11:52 am

      YEAH! Let’s make two and share them with no one.

      Reply
      • Billy

        August 8, 2013 at 10:27 pm

        AWWW YEAH

        Reply
  11. dixya| food, pleasure, and health

    August 8, 2013 at 11:07 am

    i am starting Orange is the New Black today – everyones been talking so much about it and I could see this smash happening this weekend.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 11:52 am

      oh, man. I am obsessed! Enjoy it!

      Reply
  12. Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar

    August 8, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Loving this. Such a fabulous drink! And so pretty!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 11:52 am

      Thanks, Katrina!!

      Reply
  13. Nicole

    August 8, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Mmmm…yes, I want one of these, on a porch, with my sunglasses on. Pretty drink and pretty garnish! Nailed it.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 12:05 pm

      Can you be wearing your wide brimmed hat? Thanks, Nicole!

      Reply
  14. Tieghan

    August 8, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    This is so darn pretty…..makes me wish I was a drinker. LOL!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 8, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      haha, dang! well, I know the virgin version is just as good!

      Reply
  15. Renee @ Awesome on $20

    August 8, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    This looks gorgeous. I love the idea of fresh fruit in a drink. It looks so refreshing.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 9, 2013 at 5:07 am

      Thanks, Renee!

      Reply
  16. Maria | Pink Patisserie

    August 8, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    New to your blog via Erika at Southern Souffle and I must say this is definitely something I need in my life. Beautiful. And that show? Gonna check it out pronto.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 9, 2013 at 5:09 am

      Welcome, Maria!

      Reply
  17. Tracy | Peanut Butter and Onion

    August 9, 2013 at 5:08 am

    So pretty, so yummy… on the list of rinks for my holiday!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 15, 2013 at 3:57 am

      awesome! thanks, Tracy!

      Reply
  18. Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen

    August 9, 2013 at 8:24 am

    Obsessed with Orange is the New Black. And I love this drink. It’s so pretty!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 9, 2013 at 9:12 am

      YES! Thanks, girlfren!

      Reply
  19. Sarah | The Sugar Hit

    August 11, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    I could so do with one of these right now. I got a breeze breezin’ on me, and the sun is shining. And my sweary nature is also in need of a drank!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 15, 2013 at 3:58 am

      YES!

      Reply
  20. lisa

    August 12, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    You summed up my entire thoughts of OITNB and I breezed through the entire season way to fast. Please don’t tell me I have to wait a year for season 2??! This sounds amazing, I love any drink involving mint. Or fruit. Or gin, for that matter… Great photos!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 15, 2013 at 3:59 am

      oh, man…the wait for the second season is going to be torture! such a cliff-hanger!

      Reply
  21. Danguole

    August 13, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    OMG, yes on Orange Is The New Black! I burned through half the season on Sunday and I can’t wait to do it again–one of these days when I have time. Confession time: I was wondering why I found Pornstache oddly cute, and then I realized that he was Dimitri on Weeds. Much better look/character for him. In fact, I really love all the Weeds connections (there are many).

    Anyway, that drink looks incredible too–so pretty! Love the mint sugar rim.

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 15, 2013 at 4:00 am

      totally! I thought he looked familiar. connections man, I love that stuff.

      Reply
  22. Meghan

    August 13, 2013 at 6:48 pm

    Super pro photos Cindy! Super lovely!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 14, 2013 at 6:04 am

      Thanks Meghan!

      Reply
  23. Brittany

    August 14, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    Ok, every part of this drink is PERFECTION. I can’t even deal. A candied ginger mint sugar rim?!?! Aaaahhhhhh!

    Reply
    • cindy

      August 15, 2013 at 2:57 am

      Thanks, girl!

      Reply
  24. Sarah | The Cyclist's Wife

    August 23, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    Late reading this post as I am currently deep into Orange is the new Black! Oh. My. I’ve speed watched it and am now totally bummed I’m down to 1 episode.

    Reply
  25. Angelique

    September 16, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    Where did you get the glasses? Luv them!

    Keep up the good dranking!

    Reply
    • cindy

      September 17, 2013 at 4:07 am

      they are these Bormiolo Rocco Cassiopea glasses: http://www.amazon.com/Bormioli-Rocco-Cassiopea-Rocks-Glass/dp/B008PCV6J4 I actually got them from Home Goods 🙂

      Reply
  26. Mel

    February 1, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    I just found this, although I’ve been browsing your site on & off for ages…. Blackberries? Ginger? GIN?!! I think I nearly exploded with delight!! Oooh & it’s just reminded me I’ve got an experimental bottle of blackberry gin hiding in the cupboard… time to bust that out I think!! 🙂

    Reply
  27. jul

    July 18, 2014 at 1:58 pm

    If a smash is muddled fruit with added alcohol and soda….how is a bounce…as in cherry bounce made? Hoping you would know….and by the way Orange is the New Black is great.

    Reply
    • cindy

      July 18, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      I’ve never had a cherry bounce, but came across this link: http://www.bourbonandboots.com/in-search-of-a-bona-fide-cherry-bounce/

      Reply

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