Many of my best stories occur whilst sitting at a bar (yes, I’m known to do that on occasion) and this one fits the bill, to a tee.  My latest and greatest tender of libations is John, from The Islands Hotel in Newport Beach, CA.  My BFF and I were sipping on his “Black Crush” and he pointed out the fact that the caddie at the end of the expanse was 50 and gee, didn’t he look great?!  My comment, “I can’t see that far and I’m not even 50!”  The older gentlemen to my right chimed in, “Wow, you’re a pretty good lookin’ 60 year old!”  That quip got a high five and laughs all around.

We had asked John to make us something “not too sweet, not too tart ~ with a little kick in it.”  He called it a Black Crush, we renamed it the Juancoction.  Although he didn’t give out exact measurements for this tasty little number, I think my weekly whet readers will be more than happy to play with this.  Oh, and btw, I’m getting a new prescription for my eyes next week.

 

1/2 Cup Ripe Blackberries

3 mint sprigs

2 T. Simple Syrup

1 Oz. Raspberry Vodka

Club Soda

 

Muddle raspberries and mint with a little simple syrup. Add vodka and shake well.  Pour a little club soda into a martini glass and strain the mixture into it.  Garnish with a mint leaf and plop a big berry into the glass!  Salud:)