Although some say it’s supposed to be winter, no-one bothered to tell the weather. The sun is still shining which means it’s still completely appropriate to drink cocktails.

Not that the seasons have ever stopped an Aussie – we love to drink all year round!

Here’s a great recipe for blackberry whiskey cocktails for you to try. Whether the sun shines or not, these will hit the spot!

"Hearty, fruity and exactly what guests love for an autumn meal."  – Chef Rick Tarantino, M.S.
  

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes
Servings: 1 person

Ingredients Ingredients
4-5 blackerries (10g)	Filtered water (negligible)
Organic honey (negligible)	Coconut or brown sugar (negligible)
1-1.5 fl oz whiskey bourbon (chilled)	0.50 fl oz selter
1 Tbsp (14 grams) assorted herbs, including basil, thym and parsley	Optional garnish: wildflowers (1-2g)

Equipment
Frying Pans	Mixers	Cocktail Glasses	Cocktail Spoon	Cocktail Shakers

Cocktail Preparation:

1) In a small saucepan, heat honey to thicken consistency. Allow to cool 1-2 minutes (can be made ahead of time)

2) Twist a small glass into honey then dip into sugar. Turn until all of the honey is coated with sugar

3) In a mixer or using an immersion blender, blend blackberries and a splash of water until desired consistency is attained

4) Pour whiskey into honey-rimmed glass, or first shake with ice in a cocktail shaker, then pour into glass

5) Add blackberry mixture

6) Top with seltzer

7) Stir with a rosemary sprig and let sit for 2-3 minutes so rosemary can infuse

Presentation:

Garnish with a blackberry and small white wildflowers (if available).

Chef Rick’s Tips:

Make this drink about the whiskey. Give guests the option to have their own tasting menu: they may choose from a few specialty bourbons, and a group will have fun tasting the different notes.

Heat this up with spicy flavours! Substitute tequila for whiskey, and rim the glass with rock salt. Add jalapenos (2-3 grams) or chillies to create a spicy, short cocktail instead.

Double it (but add more soda) for a great dinner option too! Start with rosemary, then increase the herbs so it flatters whatever meal they decide on. Add extra stone fruits (such as sliced grilled cherries or diced peaches) to increase the sweetness!

Who is Chef Rick?

Chef Rick Tarantino is a famous TV chef and entrepreneur specialising in developing food, recipes and kitchen products. Chef Rick, as he’s known in the media, has travelled the world, inspiring amateur and professional chefs alike, with delicious recipes and endless knowledge at his disposal. 

With a degree in food science and 10 years working as an executive and professor at the Johnson & Wales University, he has since developed a number of businesses and has years of catering equipment expertise, combined with an immense understanding of the food industry.