Last week, Willa turned one! Yep, one year old. This is the point that I'm probably supposed to go on and on about how fast she's growing and how I can't believe it and oh my gosh it all goes by so fast. That's all true. It really has flown by. {milk chocolate cake with sour cream frosting on her birthday.}
But let's just talk about her party. It was so fun! And I made blackberry brambles. And people liked them! Even people who claimed they usually don't like gin!
A year ago I likely would have rolled my eyes about a one-year-old's birthday party. What a difference a year makes. This year, I was Pinterest-ing up a storm weeks in advance, and pondering party favors for the littlest attendees. We were delighted to have Dan's family come to town for the festivities, and were also joined by lots of friends from Colorado.
Now, pictures! And the blackberry bramble recipe. Unfortunately, there's no great picture of the bramble itself. So you'll just have to make it to see how pretty it is. It's perfect for a summer party, if I do say so myself.
Birthday Party Blackberry Brambles
8 ounces frozen blackberries, thawed and then puréed
10 ounces gin
5 ounces triple sec
5 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 ounces agave
1-2 liters plain seltzer or club soda lemons for garnish ice
Prep: Mix the first 5 ingredients in a pitcher. Chill.
To Serve:
1. Add ice to individual glass(es).
2. Fill glass 1/3 to 1/2 with blackberry mixture.
3. Top with seltzer.
4. Garnish with lemon twist.
5. Add straw, if desired, and enjoy!
And, if you're not having a party, here's my go-to recipe for one:
A Classic Blackberry Bramble
2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
6 large blackberries
1 ounce crème de mûre
2 ounces gin ice
1. Muddle blackberries with lemon juice in a highball glass.
2. Add ice.
3. Top with gin and crème de mûre.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist and a splash of seltzer, if desired.
