Blueberry Collins: A Summer Gin Cocktail

Spring just arrived here in my neck of the woods, but I’ve already got summertime on my mind. So I whipped up a big pitcher of Blueberry Collins — one of THE most refreshing summer gin cocktails, if I  do say so.

Even if you’re one of those people who doesn’t like gin, I’m telling you: you’re gonna LOVE this cocktail.

It doesn’t have that weird pine needle-y aftertaste that can come along with many gin-based drinks. In fact, when I gave a glass of this stuff to Kevin, he actually asked whether there was any booze in it because he couldn’t taste any. (Um, yes, Kevin. TWO CUPS OF BOOZE are in this pitcher, so drink in moderation!)

I think the key is to use good gin. None of that cheap-o stuff, people! I used gin made my favorite local distilling company, Tattersall Distilling.

How to make a big batch of blueberry collins, a perfect summer gin cocktail

Ok, guys. Here’s how you make your very own pitcher full of summer gin cocktail happiness:

1. Combine fresh blueberries with a cup of sugar and half a cup of water in a saucepan and bring the liquid to a boil.
2. Keep the mixture simmering for about 20 minutes, until the blueberries have become very soft and release most of their juices. Stir, stir, stir!
3. Let the blueberry mixture cool off a little, and then strain it through a fine mesh strainer. Press down on the fruit to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. When you’re done with that, throw the remaining blueberry guts away.
4. Pour the blueberry syrup into a pitcher, along with the gin and lemon juice. Then add ice and give it a good stir.

Pour into individual glasses and top each glass off with a good splash of club soda and a slice of lime.

(Pro tip: Be careful not to open the club soda too fast if you’ve just shaken the bottle a little bit when removing it from the fridge. Don’t ask me how I know this.)

These cocktails are best consumed with friends, preferably on a sunny porch or poolside. Just sayin’.

5 from 1 vote

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Blueberry Collins Cocktails

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

25 mins

 

Whip up a big pitcher of these refreshing summertime gin cocktails at your next backyard BBQ. 

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 261 kcal

Author: Jen

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups gin
• ¾ cup lemon juice (squeezed from about 4 medium sized lemons)
• 2 cups club soda
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Add blueberries, sugar, and ½ cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan and stir until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the blueberries have released most of their juice. Strain the blueberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher. Press on the berries to squeeze out as much liquid as possible and discard the solid part of the berries. 

2. If it's not already in a pitcher, pour the syrup into a pitcher, and then add the gin and lemon juice. Add enough ice to fill the pitcher and stir until the mixture is well chilled.

3. Fill glasses with ice cubes and fill about 3/4 full with cocktail mixture. Top each glass with about ¼ cup of club soda. Garnish with lemon slices, if you'd like.