Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail
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This Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon cocktail is rich, warm and fruity. It’s the perfect tea cocktail to drink as summer turns into fall. Just combine Earl Grey tea, bourbon whiskey, blackberry, simple syrup and garnish with rosemary.
I don’t know about you but I am SUPER jazzed for fall to officially be here. I’m trying real hard to avoid busting out the pumpkin and chai for a couple more weeks though. It’s not easy.
In the meantime, I’m easing in with this killer Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon cocktail.
I know blackberries are a summer fruit, but they always feel more autumn-y to me. Their flavor is a little more subdued, dark and moody. They also pair perfectly with bourbon which is fabulous since it’s my go-to spirit.
And well, I could drink Earl Grey any time but this Earl Grey has rosemary and lavender in it which gives this cocktail some delicious subtle flavors.
I am so happy with the outcome of this cocktail. I think it’s completely delish. The flavors all work together really well and it’s super easy to make...
Start with blackberries & simple syrup
Muddle to get all that delicious blackberry goodness
Throw in your Earl Grey tea
Add your favorite bourbon
Add some St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur if you have it (OMG SO GOOD)
Throw in a few ice cubes
Stir! Strain!
Garnish will a lovely rosemary sprig and blackberry
Sip. Repeat.
Okay. Now let’s get specific and talk about all these subtle flavors.
You can use your favorite Earl Grey but for this cocktail I really enjoyed using the Victorian Earl Grey tea from Teahaus Ann Arbor. This Earl Grey is unique because it has lavender, rosemary, rose blossoms and bergamot oil. The result is a really lovely tea with a distinct lavender and rosemary flavor which sets it apart from most Earl Grey teas.
If you want to use an Earl Grey that you already have on hand, you could try adding a pinch of dried rosemary to the tea leaves before steeping to get a similar flavor.
These are some of my other favorite Earl Grey teas that would work well in this recipe:
Smith Teamaker Lord Bergamot (Love this one, check out my review of this tea)
Also, garnishing with the rosemary sprig will create a similar flavor regardless — taste is very related to smell.
Next, bourbon.
Bulleit bourbon works particularly well here. It has tones of maple, oak, and nutmeg which add to the complex flavor richness of this cocktail. Plus, it’s my favorite bourbon by far. I’ve done blind taste tests. It always wins. Jump on the Bulleit train folks. Plus only $20 at Trader Joes! Winner!
Okay, this last ingredient isn’t necessary but is a delicious addition if you have access to it.
St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur.
If you live in the Bay Area, visit St. George Spirits in Alameda. They offers tours and tastings where they will almost certainly have you try this Spiced Pear Liqueur. Oh man you guys. If you love fall, this is the spirit for you. It tastes exactly like fall in a glass. Cinnamon, cloves, slightly sweet but also rich and buttery. And of course it tastes like melt-in-your-mouth ripe pears. I would pour it over just about anything.
They also sell the liqueur at other speciality shops and at BevMo (at least in my area). I usually don’t buy spirits with super specific flavors but you won’t regret this, I promise.
Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail
Makes 1 cocktail.
Try with one of my favorite Earl Greys: Smith Teamaker Lord Bergamot or Harney & Sons Winter White Earl Grey.
Try more delicious drinks using tea
If you try out this cocktail, let me know what you think in the comments below or on my Instagram!
Want more fall inspired recipes? You have to try this Cozy Almond Rooibos Tea Latte — it's going to be the new chai latte. Promise. Want dessert instead? Earl Grey Cardamom Cookies are your jam. They're tiny and melt-in-your-mouth good so you may never stop. Sorry not sorry.
Lovely little things:
I signed up to hear Grace Bonney of Design Sponge speak about her new book, “In the Company of Women” at the end of October. The book “profiles in words and pictures 100 influential women who have forged their own paths in business and work, bridging the worlds of lifestyle and business like never before”. I’ve always wanted to hear Grace Bonney speak and the book sounds incredible. Can’t wait. If you’re in the Bay Area, sign up! (Update: This book is amazing. I read the profile of a new woman every night before bed — highly recommend)
Currently reading:
In Memory of Bread by Paul Graham — Really loving this memoir. It's about a beer-brewing and bread-baking man who at age 36 is diagnosed with celiac disease and has to grapple with both this new disease and a bit of an identity crisis.
