The summer solstice is the first official day of summer, but the weather here in Kentucky doesn’t stand on ceremony. Son, it is already HOT. So instead of savoring that little burn from taking my bourbon neat, I’ve been looking for ways to mix it into a refreshing cocktail. Here’s a great one I found on a blog called Bo’s Bowl.    

Blackberry Bourbon Sour

6 oz bourbon

4 tbs fresh lemon juice

4 tsp seedless blackberry preserves

2 tsp powdered sugar

4 or 5 ice cubes

Fresh blackberries, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker combine all of the ingredients except for the fresh blackberries and shake vigorously.  Strain and pour into 2 glasses filled with crushed ice. Garnish with blackberries. (I just plopped them into the glass; the author stacked a couple on a skewer, which is a nice touch.)

“Most summer cocktails are…well, very girlie,” Bo’s Bowl says. “There is just something wrong about a man drinking a pink drink with a paper umbrella. Here is a drink that no man will be embarrassed to hold and that everyone at your summer cookout will love.”

I concur. This cocktail is a lovely deep color with a great balance of sweet and tart. I mixed it with both Maker’s 46 and Maker’s Mark; the latter, as you’d expect, resulted in a slightly sweeter drink. Regardless of which brand you use, take note: This is a potent cocktail, with 3 ounces of bourbon apiece in the two drinks. I plan to scale that back when I make another round to salute the solstice. Hey, it’s the longest day of the year - I have to pace myself.