Cardamom Berry Smash Recipe

Before You Start

You will need a cocktail shaker, a double old-fashioned glass, your favorite London dry gin, green cardamom pods, fresh blackberries, plenty of ice and fresh mint. A key ingredient to this summer creation is the fresh cardamom syrup. Cardamom is of course the exotic spice most known for its inclusion in chai tea. It has a distinct citrusy flavor profile that pairs nicely with the light gin.

Ingredients

4 blackberries
1 1/2 oz. London dry gin
1/2 oz. cardamom syrup
club soda to top
ice
fresh mint

Instructions

Cardamom Syrup Recipe

You will need a cocktail shaker, a double old-fashioned glass, your favorite London dry gin, green cardamom pods, fresh blackberries, plenty of ice and fresh mint. A key ingredient to this summer creation is the fresh cardamom syrup. Cardamom is the exotic spice most known for its inclusion in chai tea. It has a distinct citrusy flavor that pairs nicely with the light gin.

1. Muddle 4 fresh blackberries in a cocktail shaker. Pour 1/2 ounce of cardamom syrup into shaker, savoring the sweet citrusy scent.
2. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to bruise blackberries and infuse the flavors together.
3. Pour 1 1/2 ounces gin into shaker. Quickly swirl shaker to combine gin, remembering never to shake gin for fear of bruising the light botanicals.
4. Do not strain, but pour entire contents of shaker into double old-fashioned glass. Top with club soda, and garnish with fresh mint. Bring 14 cardamom pods to a boil with 1 cup of water. Slowly add 1 cup of sugar to the boiling water and stir to dissolve. Keep at a slow boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and bottle.