Pucker up – this Huckleberry Collins is lip-smackingly tart! A classic cocktail recipe with a seasonal twist. Huckleberry jam is made in to a delicious simple syrup which perfectly compliments this refreshing summer drink.
Ever have one of those vacations that leaves a mark on you? That makes you look at the world a little differently? That inspires, uplifts, and recharges you?
Yea, me too.
A few weeks ago in June, two of my girlfriends, Morgan and Jenni, and I went to Glacier National Park, Montana for the Glacier Half Marathon! Naturally, we packed in some adventure along the way, too.
And did we ever.
We saw things that made us feel big.
We camped, ate s’mores, saw a traditional Blackfeet tribal dance, we’re blessed by an Indian chief, slept in a tiny house, made friends with lots of wildlife, had deep conversations, ate a lot of sandwiches, drank a lot of wine.
Now, here in Minnesota, I don’t have the luxury of having access to wild and fresh huckleberries. So improvisation is key.
While in Montana, I picked up some huckleberry jam that I already knew what. wanted to do with.
A simple syrup, of course! Rather than using the fresh fruit, the jam stands in (and already has plenty of sweetness!) and makes a beautifully simple …well, SIMPLE syrup! Presto!
And just because I heart you, and know that it may not be realistic to book a flight to Montana JUST so you can get some huckleberry jam, I’ve linked it for you to buy your very own!
I’m here to help.
This cocktail is:
- Light
- Refreshing
- Tart
- Boozy
- A modern twist on a classic
- Easy to make
- Easier to drink
Until the next adventure!
Huckleberry Collins
Ingredients
For the Huckleberry Simple Syrup:
- 5 oz huckleberry jam (see note for fresh option)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 Tbsp sugar
To make drink:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz huckleberry simple syrup
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Soda water
Instructions
For the Huckleberry Simple Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine huckleberry jam, water, and sugar. Bring to a simmer until jam and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
To make drink:
- To an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add gin, huckleberry simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake vigorously to combine.
- Strain in to a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with soda water.
Notes
- In place of the 5 ounces of huckleberry jam, bring equal parts sugar, water, and huckleberries to a boil.
- Once sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and allow huckleberries to steep.
- Once mixture is completely cooled, strain in to a mason jar and keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.