An Unexpected Chapter

A while back, I was excited to find a blueberry liqueur at Total Wine. (The brand is Green Door, which is based in Kalamazoo, MI.) I immediately began planning summer cocktails and decided that a berry Kentucky mule would be the first thing I tried. It was the first thing I tried, and I was baffled as to why it wasn’t good. Upon closer inspection, I learned my liqueur was blueberry lavender, and it turns out blueberry, lime, lavender, and ginger is one too many flavors. Oh, well.

This was Plan B, and it turned out much better than my first attempt, as berries and mimosas are a perfect pairing.

Blueberry liqueur is, admittedly, a quirky addition to one’s bar cart, and I don’t know how easy it is to locate. The brand I purchased is Michigan-based and may or may not be available outside the state. If you cannot locate any blueberry liqueur, with or without lavender, I would use Chambord instead. It’s a different flavor, as Chambord is black raspberry liqueur and fairly sweet. Still, it’s a berry, and is therefore summery and appropriate to use here. Using Chambord would make this a variation on a Kir Royale, with lemonade added in.

Summer Mimosa

Ingredients
¾ oz blueberry lavender liqueur (or Chambord if you can’t find blueberry liquor)
2 oz lemonade
Prosecco (or preferred sparkling wine) to top
Directions
In a champagne flute or coupe, add blueberry lavender liqueur, then lemonade. Top with Prosecco and serve.