Blueberry Gin Cocktail
This Blueberry Gin Cocktail is a light and refreshing drink. Made with homemade blueberry syrup that’s infused with fresh thyme, it offers a slightly sweet flavor while still delivering the expected gin taste.
A blueberry gin cocktail calls for the perfect appetizer to accompany it. Here are some of the best options to serve with this light, slightly sweet drink: crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts, creamy Baked Goat Cheese, or savory Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.
Easy Blueberry Cocktail
Our easy blueberry cocktail is an easy-to-prepare party favorite that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its origins, however, can be traced back much further.
Some say this blueberries and gin drink dates back to the ancient Greeks as a way to celebrate special occasions and honor the gods of Olympus. They used blueberries for their sweet flavor and added thyme for an herbal aroma.
We prepare our version of this classic beverage by infusing the blueberry syrup with fresh thyme and mixing it with gin to give it its distinctive flavor profile.
Whether you’re looking for something special to serve at your next gathering or just want to treat yourself, the blueberry gin cocktail is sure to please!
How to Make a Blueberry Gin Cocktail:
To Make the Blueberry Thyme Simple Syrup:
- Place either fresh or frozen blueberries, granulated sugar, water, and a thyme sprig into a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low-medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- As you stir the mixture, carefully mash the blueberries with a wooden spoon to release their flavor. After the sugar dissolves completely, adjust the heat to low and allow the syrup to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Once the syrup finishes simmering, remove it from the heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes. This helps to infuse the blueberry and thyme flavors into the liquid.
- Pour the mixture through a mesh sieve to remove the fruit pieces, transfer the blueberry thyme syrup to a heat-safe container, and place it in the refrigerator to cool.
To Prepare the Cocktail:
- When you’re ready to make the drink(s), place ice into a glass. Then add 2 ounces of blueberry thyme simple syrup followed by 2 ounces of your favorite gin.
- Top it off with club soda or tonic water.
- Garnish with fresh blueberries and a thyme sprig. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Making Blueberry Cocktails with Gin
- Chill your gin in the refrigerator before creating the cocktail to make sure your drink is nice and cold.
- Choose ripe blueberries for the best flavor.
- Add a spritz of freshly squeezed lime juice to the finished cocktail for brightness.
- Use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar if desired. It might take more than one cup of honey or agave nectar to make the syrup sweet.
- For a different flavor, use some mint leaves or fresh rosemary in place of thyme sprigs. Or, leave out the fresh herbs and use 100% blueberries.
- Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less blueberry simple syrup.
- Top off your drink with extra sparkling soda water or tonic for added fizziness.
- Serve your blueberry gin cocktail over ice cubes to keep it cool and refreshing.
Storage:
Refrigerator: For the best flavor, enjoy this cocktail as soon as you make it. However, any leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two hours – just don’t forget to take out all of the ice cubes before storing the drink so it doesn’t become watered down!
Is a blueberry gin cocktail the same as a gin and tonic?
The drinks have similar ingredients but are slightly different cocktails.
A blueberry gin cocktail contains equal parts blueberry thyme simple syrup and gin with enough club soda or tonic water to top off the drink. Some might consider it a blueberry gin and tonic.
A classic gin and tonic usually consists of equal parts gin and tonic water. But some people like to add more gin to their drinks.
Which brand of gin is best?
If you have a favorite brand of gin, use it! Otherwise, here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Tanqueray.
- Beefeater.
- Bombay Sapphire.
- Hendrick’s Gin.
- Martin Miller’s Westbourne Strength.
- Death’s Door Gin.
- Botanist Islay Dry Gin.
Can you use mint in place of the thyme in the simple syrup?
You can put mint in the blueberry simple syrup. Use 1 to 2 mint leaves or even up to 1 cup depending on how much mint flavor you want.
Other Cocktails to Try:
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup
- 1 pound fresh blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 fresh thyme sprig
For the Cocktail
- ice
- 2 ounces blueberry thyme simple syrup
- 2 ounces gin
- 4 ounces club soda, or tonic water
Instructions
To Make the Simple Syrup
- Place the blueberries, sugar, water, and thyme in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low-medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.1 pound fresh blueberries1 cup granulated sugar1 cup water1 fresh thyme sprig
- Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to carefully smash the blueberries as they cook. Continue to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the fruit has broken down.
- Remove from heat, and allow the mixture to cool for at 10 to 15 minutes or longer for a stronger flavor. Pour the mixture through a mesh sieve to remove the fruit pieces.
- Transfer the simple syrup to sealable container, and store in the refrigerator for up to a week until ready to use.
To Make the Cocktail
- Place ice in a cocktail glass.
- Pour in simple syrup, gin, and top off with club soda or tonic water.2 ounces blueberry thyme simple syrup2 ounces gin4 ounces club soda
- Garnish with fresh blueberries and a thyme sprig. Enjoy immediately!
- See post for tips, substitutions, FAQs, and possible storage options.
