Blackberry Ginger Shrub Old Fashioned and A Collaboration

Today, I'm thrilled to share with you this Blackberry Ginger Shrub Old Fashioned recipe, which was inspired by a recent tasting I did at Range as part of a collaboration with the new and improved Chevy Chase Pavilion.  The collaboration involved the creation of two cocktails inspired by the ingredients and techniques I witnesses and tasted at Range. You can find the recipe for the Blackberry Ginger Shrub Old Fashioned below and the second cocktail along with some entertaining tips using my favorite World Market products here.

After spending a few hours at Range sipping on cocktails, nibbling on snacks, and chatting with the bartenders, I was struck by two main concepts: experimenting with technique and flavor and a respect for seasonal flavors.  To me this cocktail fits with both of those themes because although I have tasted shrubs before, I've never tried my hand at making one (they are surprisingly easy to make) and who doesn't love fresh blackberries in the summer?  The result is a refreshing, tart and sweet take on an Old Fashioned.


Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey (for this I used Redemption High Rye Bourbon because the dry spiciness of the high rye percentage balances well with the sweetness of the blackberries and the shrub)
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1/2 oz blackberry ginger shrub
• blackberry for garnish

For the blackberry ginger shrub:

• 4 cups fresh blackberries
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 2 cups sugar

1. To make the blackberry ginger shrub, mix the fresh blackberries, ginger, and sugar in a large bowl.  Mash with spoon to increase the release of juice.  Let sit for a day in the refrigerator.  Strain the solids and press lightly on the fruits to expel any remaining juice.  Mix the juice with the vinegar and whisk to combine.  Place the mixture in a mason jar to store.  If sugar and vinegar separate, shake well to combine. 
2. For the Old Fashioned, add the bitters and shrub to the bottom of an old fashioned glass and stir with a bar spoon.
3. Add ice to the glass.  Top with bourbon and a dash of club soda.
4. Garnish with a blackberry and enjoy!   

Head on over to the Chevy Chase Pavilion page where they are sharing the other cocktail I created and some of my favorite World Market products along with helpful cocktail party entertaining tips.

Let me know what you think!


Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post. However, all of my opinions regarding Chevy Chase Pavilion, Range, and World Market are my own. Range is one of my new favorite DC restaurants and World Market products are staples in my home for entertaining!