Back-to-school season does not have to mean jumping straight into heavy fall flavors. The Detention Bell Blackberry Tequila Smash keeps one foot in summer with fresh berries and lime while adding just enough smoky character to fit right in beside the grill or smoker.
Fresh blackberries give the drink a deep fruit flavor and a rich color without turning it overly sweet. Blanco tequila keeps everything crisp, while lime juice and agave balance the berries with a tart, clean finish.
A couple dashes of bitters add some depth, but the smoked salt rim is what really ties this one into the BBQ side of things. You get a little salt and smoke with each sip before the bright blackberry and citrus hit.
For an even smokier version, briefly smoke the serving glass with pecan or cherry wood before building the drink. Keep it subtle—the goal is a hint of backyard smoke, not enough to bury the tequila and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 5 blackberries
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave nectar
- 2 oz agave nectar
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 oz club soda
- 1 Fresh blackberry, for garnish
- 1 Lime wheel, for garnish
Smoked Salt Rim
- 1 tbsp coarse kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 Lime wedge
Optional Smoked Glass
- Combine the kosher salt and smoked paprika on a small plate.
- Run a lime wedge around half of the rim of a rocks glass.
- Dip the moistened rim into the smoked salt mixture.
- Add the blackberries, lime juice, and agave nectar to a cocktail shaker.
- Gently muddle until the berries release their juice.
- Add the tequila, bitters, and a handful of ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
- Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice.
- Double strain the cocktail into the glass to remove most of the blackberry seeds and pulp.
- Top with about 1 oz of club soda.
- Gently stir.
- Garnish with a fresh blackberry and lime wheel.