Overripe Berries
Berries have notoriously short shelf-lives, and they can be less-than-tasty when overripe. But don’t toss your extras in the compost bin just yet! These delectable spring cocktails are perfect for giving soft and overripe berries a new lease on life. Try them out this weekend to wow your guests and reduce waste at the same time.
Berry-Lemon Cooler
Overripe berries can be a bit unpleasant to eat, but they’re the perfect addition to this simple yet refreshing warm-weather cocktail. Use any berry variety you happen to have on hand, such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 fresh berries (if you’re using a larger berry, like a strawberry, opt for only 3 per batch)
- 3 oz water
- Club soda
Mix it up:
- Pour vodka and water into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add the juice from one lemon and drop both fresh lemon halves into the shaker. Add berries.
- Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to combine. Your cocktail is finished when the mixture starts to change color (pink, red or purple, depending on the berries you used).
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with a fresh berry and lemon slice, and enjoy!
Helpful Hint: You may notice some fruit pulp or small berry seeds in your cocktails. If this bothers you, just use a hand-held mesh strainer, like this one, to double-strain your mixture before pouring it over ice.
Very Berry Margarita
After a few hours in the freezer, mushy berries transform into the key ingredient for these homemade berry margaritas. Perfect for a warm afternoon on the patio, these sweet and tangy spring cocktails are sure to impress even your pickiest guests.
What you’ll need:
- 3 oz tequila
- 1 1/2 oz triple-sec (orange liqueur)
- 1 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2 1/2 cups ice
- 1 cup frozen berries
Mix it up:
- Before preparing your cocktails, place the overripe berries of your choosing in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
- Once your berries are frozen through, add them to a blender with ice, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Blend on medium-low speed for at least 2 minutes to fully combine. If you notice your mixture is too thick or thin, gradually add ice or a bit of extra tequila as needed.
- Pour into two sugar-rimmed margarita glasses. Garnish with a fresh berry and enjoy!