To make merry berries, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces of gin: The choice of gin can have a significant impact on the flavor of your merry berries. There are various types of gin available, each with its own unique botanical blend. Personally, I prefer a London dry gin for its juniper-forward flavor profile, but feel free to experiment with different gins to find your preferred taste.
– 1/2 ounce of lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed: The citrus juice adds a refreshing and tangy element to the merry berries. I highly recommend using freshly squeezed juice rather than bottled for the best flavor. Lemons and limes both work well in this recipe, so choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
– Ginger ale or ginger beer, to top: The effervescence and spiciness of ginger ale or ginger beer complement the other flavors in the merry berries. Ginger ale tends to be milder and sweeter, while ginger beer has a stronger ginger kick. Use whichever you prefer based on your personal taste preferences.
– Garnish: Lemon or lime wedge: A simple garnish of a lemon or lime wedge adds a pop of color and enhances the citrus notes in the merry berries. It also provides a nice visual appeal to your drink.
Now, let's dive into the process of making merry berries:
1. Fill a glass with ice: Start by filling a glass with ice. You can use a traditional rocks glass or a highball glass, depending on your preference.
2. Add the gin: Pour 1 1/2 ounces of gin over the ice in the glass. This is the base spirit of your merry berries, so make sure to pour it in first.
3. Squeeze the lemon or lime juice: Take a fresh lemon or lime and squeeze out 1/2 ounce of juice. Aim to remove any seeds while squeezing. The citrus juice will add a bright and zesty flavor to your merry berries.
4. Top with ginger ale or ginger beer: Once you've added the gin and citrus juice, top off the glass with ginger ale or ginger beer. The amount will depend on the size of your glass and your personal taste preferences. You can start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
5. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge: garnish your merry berries with a lemon or lime wedge. This not only adds a visual touch but also allows the drinker to squeeze some additional citrus juice into their drink if desired.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade merry berries! This refreshing cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply unwinding after a long day. Cheers!