Blueberry Smash

First, I have an announcement to make. Flavored vodkas are an abomination that should be stricken from cocktail menus worldwide. I am horrified to see one cocktail menu after another dominated by blueberry vodka, black cherry vodka, green apple vodka, and, I’m sorry to say, fluffed marshmallow vodka.

Putting flavored vodka in a glass with some canned fruit juice or soda, artificially-flavored cocktail syrup, and sugar on the rim does not a cocktail make. These drinks look like they were invented by people who had their first adult beverage at Applebee’s and never looked back. Please, people, learn how to make a proper drink. Explore the possibilities of good whiskey, fine vermouth, real bitters, 100% agave tequila, barrel aged rum, and handcrafted gin. There are plenty of good, pure vodkas out there, and if you want to introduce the flavor of, say, blueberries into a drink, you know you do? You put some damn blueberries in it.

Like this.

Blueberry Smash

1.5 oz vodka or white rum

10-15 fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)

2-3 sprigs spearmint or basil

¼ lime

.5 oz simple syrup, orange liqueur, or St-Germain

Optional: sparkling wine or club soda

Squeeze the lime into the cocktail shaker, then combine all ingredients and crush gently with a muddle to release the blueberry juice.  Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.  Top with sparkling wine or club soda if desired, and garnish with blueberries.