Blueberry Cocktail Test #1: The Huck Finn

This submission came from a faithful reader in the Windy City. I've christened it the Huck Finn because it is adventurous, sweet, and would absolutely be the thing I'd want to drink were I rafting down a river.

The original recipe included Jack Daniels. I tried it with Jack, and then with bourbon. Both versions were delicious, though the one with bourbon was a tad sweeter.

My favorite element here was the basil. It added a really fresh, green note, with an underlying licorice-like sweetness that was the perfect complement to the whiskey and ginger ale.

Golf clap, all around!

Here's the recipe as I tested it.

Makes 2 drinks.

4 good size basil leaves, torn in pieces
Handful of fresh blueberries
Shot of blueberry syrup (recipe follows)
4 oz Jack Daniels or Jim Beam (your preference)
Ginger ale
Lemon slices, small basil leaves, fresh blueberries for garnish

1. Toss a good handful of ice into a shaker. Add basil leaves and blueberries and muddle hard for a minute or so until the ice starts to break up and the fruit is mushy.

2. Add blueberry syrup and whiskey or bourbon. Shake vigorously.

3. Pour over ice, fill glass with ginger ale, garnish with lemon, blueberries, and basil leaves.

Blueberry syrup (makes about 2 cups)

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
Juice from one lemon
Lemon zest from 1/2 lemon
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup water

Place all ingredients in a saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a roiling boil, then lower the heat to simmering and cook until the liquid loosely coats the back of a spoon. (The blueberries will burst and release pectin that, along with the sugar, will thicken the syrup. The longer you cook it, the thicker it will be. Since this is for drinks, I recommend keeping it on the loose side so it will mix easily).

Strain the syrup through a sieve and cool to room temperature, then pour into a squeeze bottle and refrigerate. Give it a good shake before using.

If you want a sweeter syrup, you can increase the sugar up to 1 1/2 cups and the water to 1 cup.