Stars & Stripes Berry Bliss Cocktail
Celebrate Independence Day in style with the Stars & Stripes Berry Bliss Cocktail! This visually stunning, vibrant red cocktail features refreshing cranberry juice, a spirited blend of vodka, blackberry brandy, and triple sec, all beautifully complemented by homemade blueberry ice cubes. The ice cubes, bursting with real blueberries, not only keep your drink cool but also add a delicious hint of berry flavor. Perfect for festive gatherings, this delightful drink is sure to impress your guests and light up the night like fireworks in the sky.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Blueberries
12 (Fresh)
Water
to cover (For making ice cubes)
Plain Ice Cubes
4 (Regular ice cubes)
Cranberry Juice
1/2 cup (Juice)
Vodka
1 ounce (Liquor)
Blackberry Brandy
1/2 ounce (Liquor)
Triple Sec
1/2 ounce (Liquor)
Blueberry (for garnish)
1 (Fresh, optional)
Raspberry (for garnish)
1 (Fresh, optional)
Lemon Rind (3-inch strip for garnish)
1 (Fresh, optional)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Blueberry Ice Cubes: Fill four ice cube molds half-way with water and freeze for 2 hours. After 2 hours, drop 3 blueberries into each of the molds and add more water to fill them. Freeze for an additional 48 hours until fully solid.
2
Make the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, add 4 plain ice cubes. Pour in the cranberry juice, vodka, blackberry brandy, and triple sec. Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly.
3
Serve: Strain the mixture into a tall glass. Gently add the frozen blueberry ice cubes to the glass for a beautiful and refreshing presentation.
4
Garnish: For an extra touch of flair, garnish your cocktail with a strip of lemon rind arranged in an S-pattern around a blueberry. Add a raspberry on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
0
Fat
30
Carbs
0
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stars & Stripes Berry Bliss Cocktail?
It is a visually stunning, vibrant red cocktail featuring cranberry juice, vodka, blackberry brandy, and triple sec, served with homemade blueberry ice cubes.
How long does it take to prepare the blueberry ice cubes?
The ice cubes require a total freezing time of 50 hours: 2 hours for the first layer and an additional 48 hours once the blueberries are added.
Why do I need to freeze the ice cubes in two stages?
Freezing in stages allows you to place the blueberries in the center of the cube so they are beautifully suspended rather than sinking to the bottom.
How many blueberries are used per ice cube?
You should drop 3 blueberries into each ice cube mold.
What ingredients are in the cocktail mixture?
The mixture consists of 1/2 cup cranberry juice, 1 ounce vodka, 1/2 ounce blackberry brandy, and 1/2 ounce triple sec.
How long should I shake the cocktail?
You should shake the ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker for about 15 seconds to ensure they are thoroughly mixed and chilled.
What type of glass is recommended for serving?
A tall glass is recommended to properly display the blueberry ice cubes and the vibrant red color of the drink.
How do I garnish the Stars & Stripes Berry Bliss Cocktail?
Garnish with a 3-inch strip of lemon rind arranged in an S-pattern around a blueberry, topped with a fresh raspberry.
Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
While the recipe includes vodka, brandy, and triple sec, you can create a mocktail version by replacing the spirits with club soda and berry-flavored syrups.
Is this drink suitable for Independence Day?
Yes, its vibrant red color and 'Stars & Stripes' theme make it perfect for July 4th celebrations and summer festivities.
What provides the red color in the drink?
The vibrant red hue primarily comes from the 1/2 cup of cranberry juice combined with the blackberry brandy.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
How many carbohydrates does this cocktail have?
One serving of this cocktail contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any fat or protein in this recipe?
No, this cocktail contains 0 grams of fat and 0 grams of protein.
Can I use a different type of juice instead of cranberry?
You can use pomegranate or cherry juice, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile and the specific shade of red.
What is the purpose of the triple sec?
Triple sec adds a sweet, orange-flavored citrus note that balances the tartness of the cranberry juice and the strength of the vodka.
How many blueberries are needed in total?
You will need 12 blueberries for the ice cubes and 1 additional blueberry if you choose to use it for the garnish.
What is the role of blackberry brandy in this recipe?
Blackberry brandy provides a deep berry flavor and contributes to the spirited alcoholic blend of the cocktail.
Can I prepare the cocktail liquid in advance?
You can mix the juices and spirits ahead of time, but you should wait to shake with ice and add the blueberry cubes until just before serving.
How do I create the S-pattern garnish?
Take a 3-inch strip of lemon rind and curve it back and forth into an 'S' shape, then thread a blueberry through the center to hold the shape.
What should I do if I don't have a cocktail shaker?
You can use a mason jar with a tight lid as a substitute to shake the ingredients with ice.
Is the lemon rind garnish mandatory?
The garnish is optional but highly recommended for an extra touch of flair and a hint of citrus aroma.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of the rind?
The rind is intended for visual garnish and aroma; bottled juice can be added for flavor but won't provide the same decorative effect.
How many ice cubes are used for shaking?
The recipe calls for 4 plain ice cubes to be used in the shaker to chill the drink.
Does the drink contain any fiber?
The recipe does not contain a significant amount of dietary fiber.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to produce one cocktail per preparation.
Can I use other berries for the ice cubes?
Yes, you can substitute blueberries with raspberries or small strawberry slices to match different themes.
How long can I store the blueberry ice cubes?
Once fully frozen, they can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Is this cocktail served hot or cold?
This is a cold, refreshing beverage served over custom frozen fruit ice cubes.
What makes this drink festive?
The combination of the bright red color, the unique blueberry-embedded ice cubes, and the intricate fruit garnish gives it a celebratory look.