L is for: {grilled} Lemon Blueberry Smash

I’m super excited about this post for a number of reasons.

1.) Blogging twice in a month is a miracle for me these days, let alone in an 8 day span.

2.) The second reason sort of relates to the first because there’s no way I would’ve done this without the help and of my cousin Erin, who is an amazing photographer and friend. She mostly specializes in newborn and family photos (you can check out her work here), but wants to start dabbling in more lifestyle and commercial work so suggested we collaborate on a blog post during her recent visit.

3.) These cocktails are DA BOMB and you should totes make some this weekend. (Yes, I just said “totes.” Deal with it.)

Part of the inspiration for these cocktails came from our trip to Rose’s Berry Farm during Erin and Kenzie’s visit. We picked our own raspberries and blueberries and enjoyed the sunny afternoon.

Kenzie is not a big fruit eater, so she didn’t want to actually try any of the berries, but she was a rockstar picker. (P.S. Can I just have a photographer follow me around and document my life? How great are these photos?!?)

Aside from the blueberries, I knew I wanted to do lemons because citrus goes great in cocktails (plus, I needed something for “L.”) I also love using fresh herbs in drinks, so I grabbed some basil. Mint might be nice here as well, but I love the way the more savory basil pairs with the blueberries and lemon and gin.

I also knew I wanted to grill them. I made a similar cocktail a couple Christmases ago that called for the lemons to be seared on a cast iron pan and became obsessed. Grilling achieves a similar effect. It adds a hint of smoke, some nice caramelization, and it somehow makes the lemons juicier. (If you want to make them in the winter, you can totally do these on a grill pan or a cast iron skillet).

To make the cocktails, simply muddle 10 basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, along with some simple syrup, the juice from the grilled lemons, and about 1/2 cup of blueberries. Add some ice and the gin and stir vigorously until the mixture is nice and cold. (I like to stir vs. shake, but shaking works too).

Strain into two cocktail glasses. (I love these coupe glasses from Crate & Barrel). Seriously though, how great are these photos?!?

Of course, I just had to add a floater of champagne. It really was the perfect addition. It cut down on the tartness from the lemons and added a bright, fizzy component. If you don’t want to open a whole bottle, I love these mini Sofia cans… it’s the perfect amount for two cocktails. Garnish with a single basil leaf and serve!

Huge thanks once again to “Cuzin’ Erin” for helping me out with these gorgeous pictures. I couldn’t pick just one obviously, so enjoy some beauty shots of your next summer cocktail. Salud!