The Midnight Smash hides an explosion of flavor behind a dark facade. Fresh fruit plays an integral role via muddled blackberries (blueberries are a sufficient substitute) and fresh squeezed Meyer lemon with an extra citrus kick from an orange-flavored vodka. When it comes to the vodka, choose a premium brand or infuse your own as many of the value bottles available have an unnatural citrus that will nearly ruin the drink. And, to top off the drink the very herbal and luscious Averna and ginger beer (common at natural food stores) are the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- 6 blackberries
- juice of 1 meyer lemon, hand-squeezed
- 1 oz Averna liqueur
- 1 oz orange-flavored vodka
- 2 oz ginger beer
Preparation:
- Muddle blackberries in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the juice of 1 Meyer lemon, Averna, and orange-flavored vodka.
- Shake vigorously over ice.
- Strain over ice in a highball glass.
- Add ginger beer.
- Garnish with an orange wheel.
