See that pretty little garnish? That’s a rose geranium flower. This weekend I made Rose Geranium Syrup with plans to mix up some summertime cocktails with it.

Rose Geranium

For those who don’t know, rose geranium is a rose-scented herb that has a very distinct floral aroma. Seriously, you can smell it from a mile away. Last summer, I infused heavy whipping cream with it to make a rose geranium whipped topping. A big dollop of it was perfect atop a big bowl of berries—it complemented the fruit perfectly.

Lately we’ve been getting the BEST berries from the farmer’s market. The blackberries have been especially good—perfectly sweet and tart, bursting with flavor when you pop ‘em in your mouth. I’ve never had any like them before!

Now, imagine these plump little berries in a cocktail with a delicate floral flavor from the rose geranium… doesn’t the thought of it make you swoon?

Summer’s Garden

5 Blackberries

¾ oz. Rose Geranium Syrup*

¼ oz. Lemon Juice

1½ oz. Gin

In a pint glass, muddle blackberries with Rose Geranium Syrup and lemon juice. Fill the glass with ice, add gin, and shake well. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.

*Simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated) infused with rose geranium.