Easy Blackberry Vodka Mojito

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This blackberry vodka cocktail is a mojito made with vodka instead of rum. Fresh blackberries, mint, and sugar get muddled right in the glass, then shaken with lime juice and vodka and topped with seltzer. It takes 5 minutes.

Muddling the berries in the glass pulls out their juice and color, and the seltzer keeps the drink light instead of syrupy.

I make it with Tito's, since that's the vodka I keep on hand for every vodka cocktail I mix.

Tart lime balances the sweet berries, and the mint keeps the finish clean. Make one before you commit to a whole batch.

Ingredients for Blackberry Vodka Mojito

Blackberries. Fresh are best, but frozen work too. Thaw frozen berries first so they break down easily when you muddle them.

Fresh mint. Four to 6 leaves per drink is plenty. Use fresh mint only, since dried mint won't release the same oils.

Sugar. Regular granulated sugar works. Turbinado sugar gives a deeper flavor, and simple syrup dissolves fastest.

Lime. Plan on 1 lime per drink. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh is brighter. Save a few slices for garnish.

Vodka. I use Tito's in all my vodka cocktails. Any plain, unflavored vodka works.

Seltzer. Plain or lime flavored seltzer is best here. Club soda and soda water work the same way.

Garnish. Extra mint, a slice of lime or lemon, and sugar for the rim if you want one.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make a Blackberry Vodka Mojito

Muddle the Berries and Mint

Add the blackberries, mint, and sugar to the bottom of a glass. Press with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until the berries are broken down.

Shake with Lime and Vodka

Add the lime juice, vodka, and ice, then transfer everything to a cocktail shaker and shake well. No shaker? Stir with a spoon instead, and hold off on the ice until you pour.

Strain for a Smoother Drink

This step is optional. Pour through a fine mesh strainer to catch the seeds, pulp, and bits of mint.

Rim the Glass

Also optional. Pour a little water onto one small plate and sugar onto another. Dip the rim of the glass in the water, then in the sugar.

Pour, Top, and Garnish

Fill the glass with ice and pour the cocktail over it. Top with seltzer and garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime.

Pro Tips

Press the mint, don't shred it. A few firm presses release the flavor. Grinding the leaves into tiny bits can make the drink taste grassy.

You don't need special tools. The back of a wooden spoon works as a muddler, and a mason jar with a lid works as a shaker.

Make sure the sugar dissolves. Undissolved sugar sits at the bottom of the glass and turns grainy. For simple syrup, heat equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool.

Add the seltzer last. Pour it on after the drink is in the glass so it stays fizzy.

Variations

Change one thing at a time so you can tell what you like.

Classic Rum Mojito - Use white rum in place of the vodka.

Raspberry or Strawberry - Swap the blackberries for the same amount of raspberries or strawberries.

Cranberry or Pomegranate - In the colder months, swap the blackberries for a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice. Start with 1 ounce and taste.

Honey or Agave - Use either in place of the sugar. Thin honey with a little warm water first so it mixes into a cold drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

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