In July, black currants were ripe in our garden. I made black currant jelly and black currant cordial. That sent me down a rabbit hole to try crème de cassis liqueur.

This is a gin sour, but it’s refreshing enough to be enjoyed on the patio in summer. We quite liked it.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz dry gin
• ½ oz crème de cassis
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ¼ oz simple syrup

METHOD

Shake over large ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain and pour over ice (crushed, but we used regular).

Garnish with blackberry or lemon wheel.

Bourbon Bramble (Variation)

I haven’t tried it yet, but next on my list is to try a Bourbon Bramble

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur
• 1 oz bourbon
• ½ oz crème de cassis
• squeeze fresh lime juice

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice, shake. Double strain into rocks glass or coupe.