Amazing Blueberry Gin Cocktail, A 10-Minute Tasty Gin Tonic

This Blueberry Gin cocktail was first published on the 25th May of 2023.

With summer fast approaching, I wanted to try my hand at using gin in a cocktail and that’s how this blueberry gin and tonic came to be. I am currently on a roll with making drinks and I must admit that it’s something I much prefer to cooking and baking. Somehow I manage to find it more relaxing than I’d ever thought.

Everything needs precision, mostly in baking, and mixing drinks does too for sure, but I find there’s more freedom to it. I am more likely to mix and not create an absolute mess of it at most. If something doesn’t taste right to me I just add something that can work, without thinking twice. Maybe not the most recommended of things, for sure, but it has worked a treat for me and the family says thank you for that, so you know they love it. No drinks goes un-drank in this household, for sure.

But sometimes all the hard work does pay off, just like with this lavender lemonade cocktail, this tequila spritzer, this blue lagoon fizz and this sparkling grapefruit mocktail. After trying cocktails with vodka like the love potion drink and trying out using white rum with the blue mojitos, gin was up next! I mean, gin was also already used in this Cantaloupe Melon cocktail from a few years ago and these gin mojitos, so it was time we’d shine some light on this brilliant ingredient on this website again.

Let’s get gin with this blueberry gin cocktail

Gin has always been the least of my choices when drinking, but this gin blueberry cocktail really changed my mind about it! It’s the perfect refreshing and fruity drink to have during summer. Thanks to the lime and tonic water, as well as the juniper berries of the gin, the blueberries are enhanced and perfectly combined.

What Are Blueberries? Are they good for you? When is blueberry season?

Blueberries are small, round, and often sweet berries that belong to the Vaccinium genus family. There are several species of blueberries, with the most common being Vaccinium corymbosum, also known as the highbush blueberry. Blueberries are native to North America but are now cultivated in many parts of the world. Here’s a comprehensive overview of blueberries:

1. Varieties:
   • Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum): The most common type, typically grown commercially;
   • Lowbush Blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium): Also known as wild blueberries, these are smaller and often used in processed products;
   • Rabbit Eye Blueberries (Vaccinium Ashei): Common in the southeastern United States.
2. Nutritional Profile:
   • Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their distinctive colour;
   • They are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as manganese;
   • Blueberries are low in calories and high in fibre.
3. Health Benefits:
   • Antioxidant Properties: The high levels of antioxidants in blueberries are believed to contribute to various health benefits, including reduced oxidative stress;
   • Heart Health: Some studies suggest that regular consumption of blueberries may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease;
   • Brain Function: Antioxidants in blueberries may have cognitive benefits, potentially improving memory and cognitive function.
4. Culinary Uses:
   • Blueberries are commonly used in a variety of culinary applications, including baking, smoothies, jams, and sauces. Blueberry muffins and cookies are some of our favourites;
   • They are often included in salads, cereals, and yoghurt for added flavour and nutritional benefits.
5. Cultivation:
   • Blueberries prefer acidic soil and are often grown in regions with cool climates;
   • They require well-drained soil and adequate sunlight for optimal growth;
   • Blueberry bushes are usually propagated through cuttings or by transplanting young plants.
6. Harvesting:
   • Blueberries are typically ready for harvest in the summer months, depending on the variety and location;
   • They should be picked when fully ripe for the best flavour.
7. Storage:
   • Fresh blueberries can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days;
   • They can also be frozen for longer-term storage without significant loss of nutritional value.
8. Economic Importance:
   • Blueberries have become a major commercial crop in many countries, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy;
   • The demand for blueberries has increased due to their perceived health benefits and versatility in various food products.
9. Fun Facts:
   • Blueberries are one of the few naturally blue foods;
   • The United States celebrates National Blueberry Month in July.
10. Potential Concerns:
    • Some individuals may be allergic to blueberries, just like our sister Fred;
    • Pesticide residues can be a concern, so it’s advisable to choose organic blueberries when possible (Healthline).

What is gin? What gin should I use?

Gin is a clear distilled spirit made from grain and botanicals. The main ingredient and distinctive flavour of gin is juniper berries. Other botanicals used for gin can be coriander, lavender, citrus peel, ginger, bay leaf and angelica root between the many. Gin has been a popular alcoholic beverage for centuries and dates back to the 17th century in the Netherlands. From martinis to gin and tonic and negroni, gin is one of the most popular drinks and mixers for cocktails.

There are many styles and varieties of gin that you can use for different purposes.

• Genever: Dutch and Belgian version of gin, distilled from malted grain and originally used for medicinal purposes. Often aged in oak caskets. Comes in two versions: old (sweet and aromatic) and young (dryer and lighter body);
• London dry gin: one of the most popular and most produced, also what we will be using in this gin mojito recipe. It’s flowery, aromatic, very dry and juniper-forward in taste, and the one most preferred for making cocktails;
• Plymouth gin: clear, slightly fruity, very aromatic and full-bodied. Only produced in Plymouth, England. It’s often preferred for fruity cocktails;
• Old Tom gin: a sweeter version of the London dry gin. Mixed with simple syrup and with notes of citrus;
• New western dry gin: modern gins released in the 2000s, with fewer notes of juniper. created with vodka and modern cocktail drinkers in mind. (The Spruce Eats).

London Dry Gin is one of the most versatile for making cocktails, but any gin of your choice will do too! Depending on your choice, you will have a less or more intense pine flavour. Plymouth Gin, for example, is recommended for mixing fruity cocktails, while Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire are more citrusy and will complement something more sophisticated like Negroni and Southside. We’re suckers for a nice gin fizz cocktail, after this revelation!

What ingredients do I need for this blueberry gin tonic?

This blueberry gin recipe calls for few ingredients but with a result that will surprise you! You will need dry gin, freshly squeezed lime juice, ice, blueberries, mint, sugar, water and tonic water. you will use sugar, water and blueberries to make the simple syrup and use any blueberries for garnish. Making this cocktail quite easy and quick to mix up!

Can I substitute anything in this blueberry cocktail?

These blueberry gin cocktails call for London dry gin, but you can substitute it for any gin you prefer. We used Bombay Sapphire London Dry gin as it was one we had already used and liked how versatile it was to use. Usually, London dry gin is less syrupy and has a more distinctive juniper flavour, but if you prefer something different you could go for regular gin, Empress Gin or Plymouth gin, which works well with fruits.

In case gin is not of your taste or you don’t have any around, vodka could work well too making this a blueberry vodka tonic or even using a non-alcoholic gin.

Tonic water can be exchanged for club soda or just sparkling water. For the rest, you might be able to change lime for freshly squeezed lemon, but that will change the flavour so you will need to rebalance your cocktail. If lemon juice is not for you, a lot of recipes call for blueberry lavender gin or even blueberry rosemary as a combo.

What equipment do I need for this gin blueberry cocktail?

All you will need for this blueberry gin cocktail is a cocktail shaker, a medium pot, a strainer, some cocktail glasses and some cocktail sticks. Everything you will need is easy to find in any house, and if you are missing a cocktail shaker, you could use a mason jar to mix your cocktail or a travel coffee mug.

How do I make blueberry simple syrup?

The blueberry simple syrup recipe that we are going to make for this berry gin cocktail is so easy and quick to make. And I can assure you it goes well past being an ingredient for your cocktails. It’s great on your yoghurt or granola in the morning, perfect to add on ice cream or your desserts or add to your favourite coffee recipes.

You will start by bringing to boil your fresh blueberries, sugar and water over medium heat in a medium pot. Keep stirring and when you reach a boil, lower the heat and keep cooking for another couple of minutes. You will already get a unique blue colour and a syrupy mixture by this point.

After that, turn off the heat and let it cool. Strain it in a fine mesh and transfer it to an airtight bottle. It will keep well for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. So this blueberry simple syrup is perfect to make in advance and always have on hand to mix your drinks in no time.

How do I make this blueberry gin cocktail?

You will start by making your blueberry syrup unless you have made it in advance. You can find all the instructions step by step just on the point on top or under the recipe card.

When everything is ready, in your shaker, add the gin, blueberry simple syrup, ice and freshly squeezed lime juice. Shake it well until it’s cold and well combined. It should take less than a minute.

After that, you are ready to serve! Split the cocktail into two glasses and top it off with tonic water. Add any garnish you prefer. We used some blueberries on a cocktail stick as well as some fresh mint sprigs. but you can also use some lime wedges, citrus peel, basil or rosemary, as they all work well with blueberries. Your blueberry cocktail gin is ready to be served!

How do I garnish the blueberry cocktail?

These blueberry simple syrup cocktails offer plenty of choices for garnishes and you can be assured to find one for every taste. Among the many you could use:

• fresh mint sprigs – as we did, it adds a touch of colour;
• blueberries – as we did, it adds a nice texture to have while drinking or at the end, just stack them on a cocktail stick;
• fresh sprigs of rosemary – a classic combo that enhances blueberries;
• citrus peel or wedge – anything from lime, which we used in the recipe, to lemons and oranges can enhance the taste of these blue fruits;
• basil – another herb that pairs well with them;
• lavender – which enhances the floral and camphor flavour in blueberries. (Food Pairing)

Can I make this blueberry lime cocktail into a mocktail instead?

You absolutely can! These blueberry cocktails gin can easily be made in a blueberry mocktail recipe. This will make it easy for you to offer a drink all your guests can enjoy. You have two options, leave out the gin and just use the rest of the ingredients. Which, thanks to the combination of tonic water, blueberry syrup and lime, will make this drink still as tasty as the original.

Or you could go for non-alcoholic gin to substitute regular gin. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but nowadays you can find plenty of non-alcoholic gins like Caleño light & zesty, Tanqueray gin alcohol-free and Pentire. The good thing is that you will be able to use them even for other mocktails.

If you are still on the hunt for more easy mocktails, you should also try this pear coffee spritzer and this must-try this summer, a delicious strawberry lemonade. This grapefruit fizz it’s also to die for, but maybe more likely a wintery choice – though the choice is yours always!

What other recipes can I make with blueberries?

Blueberries are such a powerhouse of vitamins and good stuff, so why not use them more? We have a recipe for discarded sourdough blueberry muffins or lemon blueberry muffins. You can add blueberries to your favourite pie recipe like in this mixed berry pie. You could also infuse blueberries in your gin or vodka to make your own flavoured alcohol.

I have never been a huge fan of blueberries, but lately, I have found myself playing more with them while making cocktails and mocktail recipes like in this blueberry mojito mocktail or desserts, so keep an eye peeled for more.

I have already set my eyes on trying a blueberry bramble cocktail and a blueberry gin sour because I think I would absolutely love this as I enjoy the sour taste. And also have to try a blueberry gin fizz because I have seen some amazing recipes around, as well as blueberry gin lemonade.

Blueberry Gin Cocktail

Cristina

This delicious blueberry gin cocktail is the perfect summer drink recipe for your gatherings! Full of refreshing ingredients for a gin tonic of dreams that you can sip beside your favourite BBQ recipe or on a picnic.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Cocktail

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

For the blueberry simple syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup water

For the blueberry gin cocktail

• 4 oz gin London dry gin
• 2 oz blueberry simple syrup
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 8 oz tonic water
• ice

For garnish

• lime wedges
• fresh mint sprig
• blueberries
• basil
• rosemary

Instructions

 

• In a medium pot, over medium heat, mix the blueberries, sugar and water and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it cook for another 2 minutes while you keep stirring. Let the syrup cool, strain the syrup and transfer it to an airtight bottle. 
• In a cocktail shaker, mix the gin, blueberry simple syrup, ice and freshly squeezed lime juice. Shake well until it’s cold and well combined.
• In your cocktail glasses, pour your shaken mixture equally and top it up with tonic water. Add any garnish and enjoy! 

Notes

1. The blueberry simple syrup will keep well in an airtight bottle in the fridge for up to two weeks. It goes well on top of yoghurt or granola if you have any left. 
2. You can garnish your blueberry gin cocktail with a sprig of mint, more blueberries, or a wedge of lime or you could also use basil or rosemary. 

Keyword blueberry gin

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Do you like this blueberry gin cocktail recipe? Have you ever tried a blueberry cocktail before? Or do you have any other drinks with gin or blueberries? Let me know in the comments!

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