Seasonal Drinks
The Thirsty Crow: A Seasonal Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Inspired by the resourcefulness of the ancient fable, this drink layers deep, seasonal flavors with a sophisticated touch of smoke. Fresh blackberries are muddled with aromatic charred thyme and raw honey to create a complex, dark-hued spirit that is both refreshing and earthy.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 215 kcal
Method
Gently char 4 of the thyme sprigs over a gas flame for 5 seconds or in a scorching hot dry pan until they release a faint wisp of smoke and become highly aromatic.
In a large sturdy pitcher, combine the fresh blackberries, the charred thyme sprigs, and the raw honey.
Muddle the mixture thoroughly until the berries have released all their juices and the honey is fully dissolved into the fruit pulp.
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the bourbon, stirring vigorously with a long spoon to integrate the ingredients.
Fill the pitcher halfway with large ice cubes and stir for 30 seconds to chill the mixture deeply without over-diluting it.
Double strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into four chilled rocks glasses filled with fresh ice to remove berry seeds and thyme bits.
Garnish each glass with a single fresh blackberry and one of the remaining un-charred thyme sprigs for a fresh aromatic finish.
Notes
For a vegan variation, swap the raw honey for a dark grade A maple syrup which adds a lovely woodsy note.
Use a bourbon with a high rye content to provide a spicy backbone that balances the sweetness of the berries.
If blackberries are past their peak, dark sweet cherries or huckleberries make an excellent seasonal substitute.
Warm the honey slightly before adding it to the pitcher to ensure it incorporates smoothly with the cold ingredients.
