
Labor Day is almost a week ago, so unofficially it is now summer. Cocktail-wise this is my favorite season. I tend to like refreshing, fruity (not necessarily sweet) drinks. So lets start this with not only a good one, but definitely an easy one. I’ve had a couple of these last night, and I can affirm, that assembly is like Childs play, and consumption is pure pleasure, although easily adjustable for your own taste. One of the ingredients in this recipe is simple syrup, which essentially is liquid sugar. I omitted it, because, while I love my drinks fruity, I didn’t want the added sugar. For me personally, the cranberry juice and the Grand Mariner gave it enough sweetness. But by all means: adjust it to your liking!

What you’ll need:
- 2 oz Tito’s Vodka
- 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- splash of simple syrup (optional)
- fresh lemon and blackberries
Add ice to a tall glass, then pour in all liquid ingredients. Add as much or as little simple syrup as you like. Garnish with lemon slice and blackberries. (Advanced prep: Muddle a couple of blackberries in the glass before adding ice and liquids, this will give you an even fresher and fruitier taste).
Cheers!