I’ve always believed that the best drinks have a story, a personal touch that takes them from mere mixtures to memorable experiences. That’s why when I stumbled upon the idea of infusing Tito’s Handmade Vodka with the juicy, summery essence of blueberries, I knew I had to share it with you all.
As someone who treasures both the simplicity of Tito’s and the vibrant flavor of fresh blueberries, combining the two seemed like a match made in heaven. Imagine sipping on a handcrafted drink that captures the essence of homegrown ingredients and the spirit of American entrepreneurship—all wrapped up in a smooth, delectable sip. Stay tuned as we dive into this delightful Tito’s Blueberry Vodka recipe, perfect for DIY enthusiasts and cocktail lovers.
Tito’s Blueberry Vodka is a flavored variant of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which is produced by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, a well-known distillery based in Austin, Texas. Tito’s is famous for its smooth, high-quality vodka made from corn, and it’s often praised for its versatility in cocktails.
Ingredients
Tito’s Handmade Vodka: Start with 1.5 ounces of Tito’s Handmade Vodka as the base of your cocktail. Its smooth, clean taste makes it a perfect canvas for the flavors to come.
Fresh Blueberries: You’ll want about 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries. These will be used for both the infusion and garnish, providing the vodka with natural sweetness and color.
Simple Syrup: 1 ounce of simple syrup will add the necessary sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Lemon Juice: The juice from half a lemon adds a fresh, zesty kick to contrast with the sweet blueberries.
Mint Leaves: A few mint leaves will add a refreshing, aromatic layer to your cocktail.
Soda Water: Mix your drink with soda water for a refreshing fizz.
Ice: Have plenty of ice on hand to chill your cocktail.
Instructions
Blueberry Infusion (optional): If you’d like to infuse your Tito’s Vodka with blueberries, simply place 1/2 cup of blueberries into a glass jar and pour over the Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Seal the jar and let it sit for 2-3 days in a cool, dark place, gently shaking it a few times daily. Strain out the blueberries, and your blueberry vodka is ready to use. You can skip this step if you prefer to use plain vodka.
Making the Cocktail: In a shaker, gently muddle about 10-15 fresh blueberries along with mint leaves to release their flavors.
Combine: Add Tito’s Handmade Vodka (blueberry-infused or not), simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice to the muddled blueberries and mint.
Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top Up: Finish the cocktail by topping it with soda water.
Garnish: To add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor to your drink, garnish with a few fresh blueberries, a sprig of mint, and perhaps a lemon wheel.
Tips
Blueberry Quality: Use ripe, seasonal blueberries for the best flavour. Fresh blueberries are juicier and more flavorful than off-season or frozen berries.
Muddle Gently: When muddling the blueberries and mint, be gentle to avoid turning the mix into a complete pulp, which could make your cocktail cloudy and overly herbaceous.
Chill Your Glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before making your cocktails. A chilled glass will keep your drink cooler for longer.
Balance is Key: Taste your cocktail before shaking it with ice. You can adjust the sweetness with more simple syrup or add more lemon juice if it needs more acidity. The goal is a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
What to serve with
Serving the perfect accompaniments with your Tito’s Blueberry Vodka Cocktail can take your hosting to the next level. Here’s a guide on what to serve that would complement the flavors of your delightful blueberry concoction.
Appetizers
Cheese and Charcuterie Board: The richness of cheese and cured meats pairs wonderfully with the light, fruity notes of the blueberry vodka cocktail. Select various cheeses from creamy to sharp, like brie, goat cheese, aged cheddar, or gorgonzola. Include cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. The saltiness of the meat contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cocktail.
Bruschetta:Tomato basil bruschetta offers a fresh and slightly acidic counterpart that cuts through the sweetness of the cocktail, with the toasted bread providing a satisfying crunch.
Vegetable Crudité: A platter of raw vegetables with a light yogurt or ranch dip can be a refreshing and healthy option that won’t overpower the cocktail’s delicate blueberry flavor.
Main Courses
Grilled Seafood: Grilled shrimp, salmon, or light white fish with a squeeze of lemon complement the fruity and refreshing aspects of the blueberry vodka cocktail. Avoid overly spicy or heavy sauces that could overshadow the cocktail.
Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing, incorporating nuts and additional fruits like sliced strawberries or peaches, would harmonize with the cocktail’s fresh and fruity character.
Chicken Dishes: Grilled or roasted chicken, especially when served with a blueberry glaze or a side of fruit salsa, can echo the blueberry notes in your cocktail.
Desserts
Fruit Tarts: A blueberry or mixed berry tart, which echoes the cocktail’s star ingredient, makes for a harmonious end to your gathering.
Lemon Bars: The citrus tang of lemon bars can wonderfully complement the cocktail’s lemony zing.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For a simple yet elegant dessert, serve a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream with a few fresh blueberries on top.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Tito’s Blueberry Vodka Cocktail can be a refreshing and flavorful experience. However, you may need to substitute some ingredients either due to availability or to cater to specific dietary preferences.
Substitutes: While Tito’s is a popular choice due to its smoothness and clean taste, you can substitute it with any high-quality vodka that you prefer or have on hand. For a gluten-free option, ensure the vodka is distilled from corn, grapes, or potatoes.
Blueberry Syrup
Homemade Option: If you can’t find blueberry syrup, you can easily make your own by simmering blueberries (fresh or frozen), water, and sugar until the berries break down and the liquid thickens. Strain it for a smoother syrup.
Alternative Berries: Raspberry or blackberry syrup can offer a similar fruity depth if blueberries are not available.
Honey or Agave Syrup: You can use honey or agave syrup for a more natural and less processed sweetener.
Fresh Blueberries
Other Berries: If fresh blueberries are out of season or not available, raspberries or blackberries can be a good substitute. They will alter the taste of the cocktail slightly but in a pleasant way.
Frozen Blueberries: Frozen blueberries are a perfect alternative to fresh, and they can also double as ice cubes to keep your drink chilled without diluting it.
Lemon Juice
Lime Juice: If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can be a great substitute. It maintains the citrus note that balances the sweetness of the syrup and the tartness of the berries.
Bottled Lemon Juice: While fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work. Note that you might need to adjust the quantity, as bottled juice can be more concentrated.
Club Soda
Sparkling Water: Any sparkling water can replace club soda for the fizz in this cocktail. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, try a flavored sparkling water like lemon or berry.
Tonic Water: For a different twist, tonic water can add a quinine bitterness that some might enjoy. This substitution will create a cocktail that’s a tad sweeter and more complex.
Garnish
Mint Leaves: If you don’t have mint, a basil leaf can provide an exciting and aromatic alternative.
Lemon Peel: In place of, or in addition to berries as garnish, a twist of lemon peel can add color and a burst of citrus aroma.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a guide to making a refreshing Tito’s Blueberry Vodka Cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests and tantalize your palate! Enjoy responsibly!
Tito’s Handmade Vodka: Start with 1.5 ounces of Tito's Handmade Vodka
Fresh Blueberries: You'll want about 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries.
Simple Syrup: 1 ounce of simple syrup
Lemon Juice: half a lemon
Mint Leaves: A few mint leaves
Soda Water
Ice
Instructions
Blueberry Infusion (optional): If you'd like to infuse your Tito's Vodka with blueberries, simply place 1/2 cup of blueberries into a glass jar and pour over the Tito's Handmade Vodka. Seal the jar and let it sit for 2-3 days in a cool, dark place, gently shaking it a few times daily. Strain out the blueberries, and your blueberry vodka is ready to use. You can skip this step if you prefer to use plain vodka.
Making the Cocktail: In a shaker, gently muddle about 10-15 fresh blueberries along with mint leaves to release their flavors.
Combine: Add Tito's Handmade Vodka (blueberry-infused or not), simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice to the muddled blueberries and mint.
Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top Up: Finish the cocktail by topping it with soda water.
Garnish: To add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor to your drink, garnish with a few fresh blueberries, a sprig of mint, and perhaps a lemon wheel.
Meet Sandra, a bartender with a passion for mixology and storytelling. Born and raised in Miami, Sandra's fascination with flavors and spirits began at a young age, inspired by the vibrant culture of her hometown.
