Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that cocktails have the magical ability to elevate any gathering or quiet evening at home.

Enter the Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail—a drink that feels like a warm hug from a classy friend who knows all the best tea blends.

This cocktail is a bold and balanced mix of smoky bourbon, floral Earl Grey tea, and juicy blackberries, sweetened with just a touch of honey and finished with a splash of lemon for brightness.

Perfect for cozy nights, brunch with friends, or impressing guests at a dinner party, this cocktail strikes the perfect balance between refined and approachable. It’s like the little black dress of drinks—it works every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Earl Grey tea, brewed and chilled
• 1 oz fresh blackberry puree
• ½ oz honey syrup (honey diluted with equal parts water)
• ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Ice (enough for shaking and serving)
• Fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel for garnish

Ingredient Breakdown

Bourbon (2 oz)
Bourbon is the backbone of this drink, lending its smoky, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the floral and fruity notes. Opt for a mid-shelf bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve—something smooth enough to sip but not too fancy to mix.

Earl Grey Tea (1 oz)
Earl Grey tea isn’t just for afternoon tea with grandma; it’s the secret weapon in this cocktail. Its bergamot flavor (that citrusy zing) complements the bourbon’s warmth and the blackberries’ natural sweetness. Brew the tea strong and let it cool before using. Pro tip: make a small batch and keep it in the fridge for future cocktails.

Blackberry Puree (1 oz)
Fresh blackberries are the star here. Pureeing them releases their vibrant color and deep, tart-sweet flavor. To make the puree, blend a handful of blackberries, then strain out the seeds using a fine-mesh sieve for a silky consistency. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen works too—just thaw them first.

Honey Syrup (½ oz)
Honey syrup is easier to mix into cold cocktails than plain honey. Simply combine equal parts honey and warm water, stirring until dissolved. The honey adds a floral sweetness that ties everything together without overpowering the drink.

Lemon Juice (½ oz)
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable here. Its tanginess cuts through the sweetness and bourbon’s richness, giving the drink a bright, refreshing finish.

Ice
Don’t underestimate the power of good ice—it cools and dilutes your drink just enough to unlock the flavors. Use large cubes for shaking and a few smaller ones for serving.

Garnish (Blackberries and Lemon Wheel)
A cocktail without garnish is like a cake without frosting—it’s just not as fun. A few fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel make this drink as stunning to look at as it is to sip.

How to Make an Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering everything you need. Brew your Earl Grey tea and let it chill in the fridge. Make the honey syrup by mixing equal parts honey and warm water, stirring until smooth. Then, puree a handful of blackberries and strain out the seeds for a silky, vibrant puree.

Step 2: Build the Cocktail in a Shaker

Grab your trusty cocktail shaker. Fill it halfway with ice (not too much, not too little). Add the bourbon, chilled Earl Grey tea, blackberry puree, honey syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Step 3: Shake It Like You Mean It

Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This step is crucial—it chills the drink, dilutes it just enough to mellow the flavors, and creates that lovely aerated texture. Pro tip: If your shaker gets frosty on the outside, you’re doing it right.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Grab a rocks glass (or your favorite fancy glass—this cocktail deserves it). Add a few fresh ice cubes, then strain the cocktail into the glass using a fine-mesh strainer to catch any blackberry pulp.

Step 5: Garnish and Admire

Top your drink with a couple of fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel. This not only makes the cocktail Insta-worthy but also hints at the flavors inside.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cocktail

• Choose the Right Bourbon: A smoother bourbon makes all the difference. Avoid overly harsh options, as they can overpower the other flavors.
• Double the Tea: Love tea? Brew a stronger batch or increase the tea-to-bourbon ratio for a more pronounced Earl Grey flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and blackberries will always yield the best flavor and color. Pre-packaged alternatives might dull the cocktail’s vibrant taste.
• Make It a Mocktail: Swap bourbon for sparkling water or a splash of soda, and you’ve got a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

Earl Grey Blackberry Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

Pin this post for later!