This Blackberry Collins is a vibrant and DANGEROUS twist on a classic. Blending fresh blackberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, vodka, and a splash of club soda, it strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fizzy. It's ideal for warm-weather sipping, solo happy hours, casual get-togethers with friends, or just because. They go down easy—almost too easily—so consider yourself warned: this one’s dangerously addictive!
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Hi There, I'm Tracy!
As a passionate foodie and music enthusiast, I’m here to help you rock your kitchen! I approach recipes creatively, often improvising traditional dishes or crafting my own based on unique dining experiences. Explore my blog for delightful and approachable recipes from breakfast to dinner, including appetizers, desserts, and cocktails. Let’s create meals that leave a lasting impression, paired with music recommendations to groove to while you cook!
Inspirations
After my son graduated from high school, we moved to downtown Denver to spare me the brutal commute. (If you’ve read the story behind my High Roller Margarita, Cadillac Style, you already know all the reasons why.) You also know that I now have an industrial-style juicer — perfect for crafting cocktails with fresh juice. Once I nailed the margarita, I was ready for my next challenge.
It found me not long after things began opening up again downtown. Just down the block from our building was a gem called D Bar. It had started as a bakery but had expanded into a full restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While we had enjoyed a few meals there, we hadn’t yet checked out their bar. So one night before heading out, we decided to stop in for a drink.
That’s when I saw it: the Blackberry Collins. It practically jumped off the menu, whispering, “I’m your new favorite drink—you just don’t know it yet.” It sounded light, refreshing, and perfect for summer. And oh my, were we right. It was everything: balanced, bright, and dangerously smooth.
Naturally, I had to recreate it. A quick Google search turned up a few recipes, but they all used muddled blackberries. That version just didn’t bring the juicy flavor I remembered—it was clumpy, full of seeds, and lacked that fresh, vibrant punch. So began my many, many iterations. And when I say many, I mean many. Don’t get me wrong—it was fun taste-testing, but the “it” factor was missing. The biggest issue? Too. Many. Seeds. No one wants blackberry seeds stuck in their teeth mid-sip.
Then it hit me: strain the puree! Was it a bit of a hassle? Yep. Was it worth it? YEP. Double time YEP. That was the winning move.
This Blackberry Collins has become a signature. It’s not just a summer cocktail—it’s a year-round crowd-pleaser. But be warned: it’s dangerous. It goes down way too easily, and more than one person has had a little too much fun with it. Still, no regrets, just rave reviews.
Pro tip? Make a pitcher. If you’re going to do the work, make it count.
Instruments
Cocktail glasses – short and sturdy (lowball rocks glasses work best)
Citrus juicer – manual or industrial, as long as it gets the job done
Fine mesh strainer – key for that seed-free, silky blackberry puree
Mixing bowl – to catch the puree while straining
Cuisinart or mini food processor – to blitz the berries into a smooth base
Spatula – silicone and sassy (mine has a friendship quote, naturally)
Knife and cutting board – for slicing lemons with precision
Measuring jigger or shot glass – for nailing those ratios
Essentials
Fresh blackberries – ripe and juicy
Lemons – freshly squeezed for that tart citrus kick
Vodka – smooth and clean, your go-to brand works
Simple syrup – sweetens the deal just enough
Club soda – crisp and fizzy, the final splash
Ice – plenty, for that chilled, refreshing finish
Pro Tips and Riffs
Faq: Grub Answers and Insights
Blackberry Collins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 cocktails 1x
Description
A refreshing twist on a classic Collins with blackberry puree, lemon juice, vodka, and a splash of club soda. Light, fruity, and perfect for sipping anytime of year.
Ingredients
10 oz vodka
4.5 oz fresh lemon juice
4.5 oz simple syrup
2 oz blackberry puree (strained)
Club soda, to top
Ice, for serving
Lemon twists or blackberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the blackberries to a mini food processor and blend until smooth.
- Strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using a spatula to press out the juice.
- In a shaker or glass with a pour spout, combine vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and 2 oz of the blackberry puree. Stir to combine.
- Fill 4 short cocktail glasses with ice and divide the mixture evenly between them.
- Top each with a splash of club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or fresh blackberries if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Straining the blackberry puree is key for a smooth, seed-free drink.
- This recipe makes four 5-oz pours before adding club soda.
- One heaping cup of fresh blackberries yields about 2 oz of strained puree.
- You’ll need 3 to 4 juicy lemons to get 4.5 oz of juice — look for ones that feel heavy for their size, as they’ll give you the best yield.
- Puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust sweetness to taste — if your blackberries are on the tart side, a little extra simple syrup will balance it out nicely.
- Halve the recipe for a smaller batch or double it for a party-ready pitcher.
- To serve this cocktail “up” (without ice), shake the vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and blackberry puree with ice, then strain it into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Top with club soda and garnish.
- To make simple syrup at home, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Kaylen says
I can't wait to try these, they sound amazing!
Tracy says
Thanks, Kaylen! Please let me know when you try them and let me know what you think!
John says
Awesome recipe.
Tracy says
So happy you enjoyed them!