One of summer’s most delicious treats is surely the humble blackberry, right? Whether you’ve done the hard yards yourself and diligently spent hours out among the hedgerows getting scratched and berry-stained to return triumphantly home with a haul of juicy purple loveliness, or, you know… got them on special at the supermarket (we do not judge), the sweet, sharp blackberry provides ample opportunities for yummy summer recipes, from crumbles and tarts to this: the ultimate blackberry gin and tonic.

Blackberry & Lime Gin & Tonic

Large handful of ripe blackberries
Juice of half a lime or lemon
30ml simple syrup*
45ml gin
90ml tonic

• Save a few blackberries for the garnish. Fill your drinking glass with ice.

• In a separate glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the remaining blackberries with the lime juice, then add more ice, the simple syrup and gin.

• Shake or stir using a long spoon until the ingredients are well combined and the colour and juices of the blackberries have infused the mixuture.

• Strain the liquid into your drinking glass to get rid of the pips. Now add tonic and stir gently.

• Garnish with a few blackberries on a cocktail pick or a twist of lime peel.

*You could also enhance the blackberry flavour even more by infusing your simple syrup with crushed blackberries: gently simmer equal parts water and sugar with the berries for 5 minutes until you have a sticky, rich syrup, then strain and leave to cool before adding to your drink.

Like this? Try these:

• Cherry gin and tonic

• Strawberry & black pepper gin and tonic

• Watermelon gin & tonic