Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Smash

This Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Smash will make you the toast of the town!

Though you’re likely to think that these plump blackberries are the star of today’s show – the real star is Alessi’s Ginger Infused White Balsamic Reduction! This reduction creates a gorgeous nuanced flavor of ginger, with sweet balsamic undertones, making this berry-licious Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Smash a new favorite cocktail in our house!

I was challenged to think outside the box and show proof that reductions can be used in a variety of ways. I am here to tell you – reductions are not just for fancy dishes, anymore! All kinds of dishes, and beverages (ahem), can be enhanced by this magical tasting drizzle.

I adore Alessi’s line of Balsamic Reductions, mostly for their flavors(!) but also because they’re free of any thickeners or fillers.

If you’ve never made one yourself, a reduction is created by taking a liquid, like vinegar, and thickening and intensifying its flavor into a sauce. Many reductions or glazes on the market fill their reductions with starches and other ingredients to make them thicker. Alessi’s is a lighter, thinner reduction making it great for drizzling over foods or into cocktails without being heavy.

Reductions can add flavor to cheese plates, salads, roasted meats, vegetables, chocolate and fruits, which brings me to our Blackberry Smash. Blackberry and ginger have always been a favorite flavor combination of mine. As I was taste testing the reductions – the ginger balsamic got me excited to pair with one of my favorite berries. At first I was thinking I’d make something baked, and while sharing my thoughts with Luc, she mentioned the idea of a cocktail. Ding ding ding! Balsamic cocktails are delicious! And I love the idea of a Smash! A Smash, in general, is a cocktail that includes a spirit, sweetener, herb and seasonal fruit.

This Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Smash contains:

• Vodka —-> Spirit
• Agave syrup —->Sweetener
• Ginger Balsamic Reduction —-> Herb
• Blackberries —-> Seasonal Fruit
• Crushed Ice
• Ginger Ale

Alessi’s reductions have found a cozy place to call home in my kitchen…and my cocktails!

Here’s more good news – you can find the full line of Balsamic Reductions (of which there are many) and other Alessi products, at your local grocery store and online. Also, you can follow Alessi Foods on social media! Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Salute!

Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Smash

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews

• Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
• Yield: 1 1x
• Category: Cocktail

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Ingredients

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• 10 fresh blackberries, divided
• 1 Tbsp. agave syrup
• 2 tsp. Alessi Ginger Balsamic Reduction
• 1.5 ounces vodka
• Crushed ice, about a handful
• Splash of ginger ale

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Instructions

1. Add 7 blackberries and agave syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Using a muddler or bottom of a wooden spoon, muddle until berries are broken down.
3. Add Ginger Balsamic Reduction, Vodka and crushed ice to shaker.
4. Shake for a couple seconds until combined.
5. Pour into a rocks glass.
6. Top with a splash of ginger ale and a few whole berries.
7. Enjoy!

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{This post is sponsored by Alessi Foods but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.}

CIAO!