It is September which means lake days & fresh blackberries are usually in abundance over here.
Lazy afternoons by the lake lead to table for two on the dock for a few impromptu nibbles- such as this styling that we did for Inspired Gatherings.
The dock and calm water were absolutely beautiful- and this table was inspired by all the pieces put together. The sunset on the mountain across the way. The water lapping at the shore. The flowers and the sweet treats we picked up before settling in at the dock.
Which included wee layered cakes and lots of berries.
I topped the cake for garnish and created a couple of simple delicious drinks to sip while we were there- both with fresh picked blackberries.
We pick blackberries all of August and into September- and we enjoy them as is just for snacking. In salads, oatmeal, breads and even floral arrangements. And something simple to also do is to create a blackberry lemonade or cocktail.
Full of yum and good flavor- you can customize this any way you would like. And feel free to add or leave out the vodka- it will be much sweeter without of course- more like a lovely sweet berry lemonade. This is adapted from a recipe I saw awhile back. I customized to fit what we prefer- and feel free to do the same.
Simple Lemonade Berry Drinks
- 6 fresh blackberries
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce berry infused lemonade syrup (I found ours at HomeGoods)
- 1 ½ ounce vodka (if desired)
- 2 ounces soda water
- Ice
- a handful of extra blackberries and blueberries for making it look pretty.
- A bit of rosemary, mint or oregano clippings for a sprig of green garnish
How To
- Place 6 of your blackberries with the lemon juice & syrup in a jar. Give it a swirl with a spoon to ‘mash’ them a bit.
- Add vodka (if desired) & soda water. Mix slightly by stirring. Add ice and then top with a few whole berries and a sprig of garnish.
You can mash the berries a bit- and add extra syrup and berries for more bold color. The one above is simply lemonade- with a few berries at the bottom.
The one below is full of more ripe, slightly mashed berries that add that rich color and extra syrup which gives it a sweeter taste and more bold look.
You can also add blueberries or any other type of berries you would like to make it a ‘mixed’ berry beverage.
More of this setting in my new book- Inspired Gatherings
Have a safe Labor Day.
Aussie jo says
Another good post
Karen says
Often, one or two of your photos wont load…just get a blue question mark in a square. Tonight, none of them will load. NO problem with other blogs, just yours…wonder what it is…
marisa Franca Stewart says
Absolutely beautiful. What a peaceful setting. btw – I’m not yelling at you but for some reasons I can only type in caps here. I don’t have my cap lock on.
Leah Marie wATSON says
VERY WARM AND INVITING…….
Jaime Miele says
I ca find black lemonadE syrup anYwhere. Did you just mean Blackberry syrup??
Courtney says
I found some at Home Goods not too long ago- you might try there to see if your local store has it.