OK, it may not blueberry season, but I had a pint of them just sitting in the fridge beckoning to be eaten. I can only eat so much fruit so what better way to utilize them then in a cocktail? Blueberries are one of my favorite berries as they are sweet, slightly tart but without the annoying seeds like so many berry varieties. They also lend themselves very nicely to many different spirits and liqueurs with their flavor friendly profile.

I actually prefer making a syrup, as it will last longer than a puree and is more versatile. Instead of a simple syrup, using a quality red wine works really well with not only providing complexity and flavor, but also help fortify the fruit syrup so it should last a few weeks in the fridge.

You want to use ingredients that will stand up to the richness of the syrup so citrus, bitter amaro and high-proof spirits are the best way to approach creating the perfect drink. One of my favorite amaro liqueurs is Gran Classico from Switzerland, as its bitter citrus and herb flavors and notes pair perfectly with blueberries. A theoretical hybrid of Aperol and Campari, Gran Classico is a great compromise for those wanting to expand their flavor profiles while still pleasing the über bitter geeks. Here are two of my favorite cocktails that will appeal to many different tastes. Cheers.

Blueberry Wine Syrup

1 1/2 cups Fresh Blueberries

1 cup Merlot

1 cup Granulated Sugar

1/2 cup Water

tsp Fresh Lemon Zest

Combine ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and allow to completely cool. Fine strain into a jar, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Blue Monday

1 1/2 oz Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka (Or Your Favorite Citrus Vodka)

1/2 oz Gran Classico

1 oz Blueberry Wine Syrup

1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Blueberries for Garnish

Combine ingredients over ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish and enjoy.

Blues Traveler

2 oz Rittenhouse 100 Rye

1/2 oz Gran Classico

tsp Amaro Montenegro

1/2 oz Blueberry Wine Syrup

dash Berg & Hauck Jerry Thomas' Bitters

Orange Peel for Garnish

Combine ingredients over ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish and enjoy.