Welcome to week 6 of our summer cocktail series.  To see what we’ve been drinking so far this summer, click on the Cocktails category.

I know, I know.  I was supposed to post a couple photos from our hiking/camping trip.  But, I didn’t.  I’ve done nothing this week except fret about school and eat 70 pizzas.  I’m starting to wonder about the weight limitations on my desk chair.  Thankfully, I’m about to wrap up a big project and the very second I do — no matter the time of day! — I’ll be making myself a big pitcher of this amazing lemonade.  I CAN’T WAIT.

Assuming you’re not desperately finishing up a project and then celebrating with bourbon (irrespective of the time of day), I’m thinking this drink would be perfect for a sunny late afternoon in the backyard, or maybe around a fire pit at night.  It would also be an awesome accompaniment to some BBQ (and now I’m thinking about BBQ tempeh burgers again…oh, and did you see  Alex’s faux pulled pork sliders in GOOD magazine?  I love his use of grated tofu — I would have never thought of that!).  Whatever your weekend plans are, though, be sure to work this drink into them.   Blackberries, bourbon and lemonade are guaranteed to make your weekend that much better — especially when combined!

Before we go, here’s a really close-up shot of a blackberry.  I washed them afterward.  Really well.

Cheers!  Have a great weekend!

Bourbon and blackberry lemonade
Makes 4 servings

• 2 c blackberries
• 2 c water
• juice from 3 lemons
• Brown sugar simple syrup: dissolve 1/2 c sugar in 1/2 c water
• 6 oz bourbon
• optional lemon wedges and mint for garnish

In the bottom of a pitcher (or pot, if you don’t have a good pitcher for this), dump the blackberries.  With a muddler (or a pestle, a ladel, or even a potato masher…I mean, who has a muddler?) lightly mush up the blackberries.  You want to get them juicy without totally destroying their shape.

Add the rest of the ingredients.  Stir.  Pour over ice.