UPDATE: This post was updated on March 25, 2025 to include conversions for metric measurements and nutrition information.
I love a bourbon cocktail, and I love summer berries, so what better to than combine them! This Blackberry Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a hint of those summer blackberries we all know and love. Plus, once you have the Blackberry Simple Syrup, you'll be able to use it for other cocktails and mocktails as well!
Looking for a few other fun summer cocktail ideas? Try this Aperol Soda, Watermelon Mint Cocktail, and this Blood Orange Old Fashioned. Serve this cocktail with a Sourdough Discard Focaccia or these Sourdough Discard Pretzels.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- This Blackberry Old Fashioned is easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes!
- The Blackberry Simple Syrup is delicious for cocktails, mocktails, baking and more.
- Incorporating blackberries into this classic cocktail gives it a bit of a lighter, brighter twist.
Ingredients
Similar to the classic drink, this recipe comes together with just a few key ingredients:
- Bourbon: go for the good stuff! A good rule of thumb: if you like to drink it plain, it will be good in a cocktail. If you wouldn't want to drink it plain, then it won't be good in a cocktail either. A few of our favorites are Michter's Bourbon, Four Roses Bourbon, and Elijah Craig Bourbon. All great for cocktails!
- Angostura bitters: this helps give the cocktail a bit of its signature bite.
- Blackberry simple syrup: you can either buy a pre-made simple syrup, or make your own Blackberry Simple syrup with just a few ingredients!
See full recipe below for detailed instructions.
How to Make a Blackberry Old Fashioned
This cocktail comes together in just a few easy steps.
Pour the bourbon into an Old Fashioned, or rocks, glass.
Add the simple syrup and Angostura bitters. Gently stir to combine.
Add an ice cube (size of your choice!)
Garnish with fresh blackberries on a cocktail stick.
Expert Cocktail Tips
- Make your own blackberry simple syrup. It's easy to make and will so flavorful!
- Measurements are a guideline. Modify your cocktail to suit your tastes! Do you like your drinks to be a little sweeter? Add a little extra simple syrup. Do you not want your drink to get too watered down with ice? Use a smaller ice cube that won't add as much water once it's melted.
Blackberry Simple Syrup
Flavored simple syrup is incredibly easy to make and a great way to kick your cocktails up a notch. It allows you to add both sweetness (from the sugar) and flavor (in this case, from the blackberries) to your cocktail. This Blackberry Simple Syrup is great with almost any spirit and is also a beautiful deep red / purple color.
You can use this simple syrup in cocktails, mocktails, to sweeten tea and other beverages, for baking projects and more!
Equipment
Start with an Old Fashioned (or rocks) glass. I'm loving these Vance-Cut Drinking Glasses from Crate & Barrel at the moment. You'll also need a jigger to measure the alcohol and your ice cubes of choice (try something fun like these jumbo ice cube molds!). Garnish with blackberries on a cocktail pick, such as these metal cocktail picks.
Storage
You can make cocktails ahead of time, if you like (keep the ice separate), but I always think making them is part of the fun and entertainment. I suggest making your cocktails just as you're ready to serve them!
Recipe FAQ
I have a recipe for blackberry simple syrup if you'd like to make your own! It's easy and delicious!
This is largely going to be up to personal preference. A few of our favorites are Michter's Bourbon, Four Roses Bourbon, and Elijah Craig Bourbon. All great for cocktails!
Blackberry Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon blackberry simple syrup see notes for recipe
- Fresh blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- Pour bourbon into an Old Fashioned (or rocks) glass. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and blackberry simple syrup. Gently stir to combine.
- Gently add your ice cube(s) of choice and garnish with fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately.
Jessica Vogl says
A delicious twist on the classic cocktail! I love making these in the summer.