Blueberry Thyme!

Well we all know that the weather is scorching outside this summer, so the best way to cool down this is with a light, refreshing cocktail. This one uses just a few simple ingredients that you can find anywhere, and brings together the sweetness of seasonal blueberries with an added savory component from fresh thyme. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I like to add a bit of simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved in 1 part hot water), but if you use a few more blueberries you can leave it out for a really lo-cal cocktail.

Here is what you will need for this cocktail “Blueberry Thyme!”:

1 1/4 oz Clique Vodka
1/4 oz simple syrup (optional)
15 blueberries
2 springs of fresh thyme
3 oz soda water

In a cocktail tin, or large glass if you don’t have one, add 1 spring of thyme, 5-6 blueberries (use a few more if you want to leave out the simple syrup), and just 1/4 oz vodka. Using a muddler, or any kitchen utensil with a flat end on the handle, gently press the blueberries into the thyme spring, releasing the oils and aromas from the thyme and creating a chunky puree out of the blueberries. Strain the liquid into an ice filled rocks glass and add the rest of the vodka, simple syrup, a few more blueberries and the soda water. To garnish the drink, hold the other sprig of thyme flat in your palm and smack it hard with your other hand to release the oils and aromas from the thyme leaves. Then spear 3 blueberries onto the sprig and place in the cocktail.

Once you have the techniques down, you can start getting creative by switching out different berries and herbs. Using the freshest ingredients is always the most important step in a good cocktail, so if you find something that looks really good, like fresh blackberries, or mint, try substituting them and see what you come up with! Don’t forget to take a pic with Instagram and Tweet it with the tag #Cliqueshots to win great prizes all summer from Clique Vodka!