Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

I created this cocktail for our recent Spring dinner party. There is something about muddled blackberries and fresh, sour lemon juice that is super delicious and refreshing. It's the perfect spring cocktail, if I do say so myself! I have also become a big fan of gin lately -- particularly small batch, organic ones, like Peak Spirits' CapRock. It has a really lovely flavor. The splash of elderflower liquor adds a really nice fruity and flowery sweetness to tie it all together.

Huge thank you to Borrowed Blu for the gorgeous crystal cut and milk glasses and Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography for the stunning photographs.

We were thrilled to have this recipe featured on Domaine Home a few weeks ago. In case you missed it, here it is!

5 Blackberries

1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 oz. Simple Syrup

1+1/2 oz. Gin

1/2 oz. Elderflower Liquor

Ice

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In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, gin and elderflower liquor. add several ice cubes and shake vigorously. Pour through a strainer and garnish with an edible flower or blackberries (I froze mine to give them an extra special look). Enjoy!

I think it's pretty clear that we over here at Twink and Sis are big fans of Valentine's Day. So, to keep the party going, I have created this flirty and refreshing cocktail that I like to call "Making Out in a Field of Strawberries." It's two of my favorite flavors - strawberries and mint - with a nice, clean vodka. I think it would taste great with gin too, if you are so inclined.

*A Quick Note Before We Start:
I believe this drink should not be strained and should contain pieces of the smashed fruit and mint. So using a shaker with a strainer is not necessary at all. This drink also works great for parties and large groups and can easily be made in a pitcher or punch bowl, by just multiplying the recipe below by however many servings you would like to make.

For One Serving You Will Need:
4 Medium-Large Strawberries (with tops removed)
Two Sprigs Fresh Mint (leaves removed from stem)
1/2 oz. of Simple Syrup
1 oz. Vodka
About 3 oz. Sparkling Water or Prosecco
Ice

In a cocktail shaker (or bowl or pitcher) muddle the strawberries and mint well.

Add simple syrup and vodka.

If using a shaker, add a few ice cubes and shake vigorously. If using a bowl, skip the ice for now. Stir and smash all of the ingredients until they are well combined.