Hey guys!
Do I really have to say it? It's Friday! Friday is officially my day of sharing cocktails with you. I put a ton of thought through out the week about what kind of drink I'm going to share on Friday's blog post. This week I had an epiphany and figured, what is better than making a Solar Eclipse inspired drink for you? Fortunately, the solar eclipse will cross right over our home here in Charleston. So for roughly three full minutes we will have complete darkness during the day this coming Monday. We are so excited about it and I'm sure you can only imagine the chaos that is going on throughout this town in preparation for it!

When I started brain storming, I immediately thought of "blackout" so I wanted to make something dark. So I came up with a fresh berry drink, sweetened with a honey simple syrup and an ice cube shaped as the moon in the center. I also made a non-alcoholic version too per request of some of my readers!
I wanted to incorporate the moon in this drink in some way but couldn't think of how, but then I found these amazing sphere shaped ice forms at William-Sonoma for only $12.95! What a crazy find, right?!
Fun Fact: The solar eclipse may cause the temperature to drop roughly 20° ! Ironically, this "ice moon" will keep your drink chilled for the whole duration of your drinks life as well! I know, I know... I'm a genius! LOL!
Solar Moon Juice
Mixed berries with a honey simple syrup

Ingredients:
serves 2
1/2 C. Fresh mixed berries
Strawberries
Blackberries
Raspberries
Blueberries
1/4 C. of sugar
1/2 C. boiled water
1 Tbsp of honey
Mint leaves
3 oz. Vodka (I used Belvedere)
Ice
Non-Alcohol version
Substitute Sparkling water for vodka
or
IZZE Sparkling Blackberry Soda
Directions:
Simple syrup: Using 1/4 cup of boiling water add to 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix in Tbsp. of honey. Place in sealable contain and store until cooled.



Note- I only used about 1-2 Tablespoons in mixture. You can always store this probably and save for later recipes.
Muddle fresh berries. Strain juice into shaker with ice. Pour 1-2 tbsp of honey simple syrup in shaker. Add vodka. Shake thoroughly until chilled.
Place strained berries in bottom of two chilled martini glass. Place "ice moons" into glass and pour mix over "moon."
Non-alcoholic version- replace vodka with sparkling water or IZZE Sparkling Blackberry. Add after pouring berry mixture over the "ice moon."

Garnish with fresh mint leaves and blackberries! Don't forget to cheers to the once, possibly twice in a life time solar eclipse!


To my readers in the area who are able to view the eclipse on Monday, please be safe and don't forget your protective glasses! Gosh, I'm such a mom!
XOXO,
KG