Fresh mint, blackberries and cucumber make this cocktail a summer delight. Garnish the cocktail glasses with cucumber, blackberries, lime wedges, and mint sprigs. You can use gin or vodka-whichever pleases you and your guests. This recipe makes five cups.

Blackberry Gin Cocktail

Ingredients

1 (0.75-oz.) package fresh mint sprigs

12 (1/4-inch-thick) cucumber slices

2 (6-oz.) packages fresh blackberries

3/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)

8 to 12 tsp. turbinado sugar*

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. gin

1 cup cold club soda

Crushed ice

Garnishes: cucumber slices, fresh blackberries, lime wedges, lemon mint sprigs

Instructions:

Place first 5 ingredients in a large pitcher. Gently press mint leaves, cucumbers, and blackberries against side of pitcher with a wooden spoon to release flavors. Stir in gin and club soda. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.