BLACKBERRY MARTINIS

Blackberry Martinis image

One of the most exquisite exploitations of the blackberry is accomplished by teaming it with a little booze and presenting it in a sugar-rimmed martini glass, making what might be called a blacktini. The original recipe, from ''The Berry Bible,'' suggests vodka, but I find the complexity of the drink enhanced by the gin's juniper-berry accent. I think vodka is dull, actually, but if you like it (most of America seems to), go with God.

Provided by Jonathan Reynolds

Yield 4 martinis

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups blackberries
1/4 cup berry brandy or crème de cassis
4 lemon wedges
Superfine sugar
1 cup gin (or vodka)
2 tablespoons Triple Sec
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of the sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside until cooled.
In a food processor, purée the berries, brandy and remaining tablespoon sugar until smooth.
Prepare four martini glasses: rub the rims with lemons, then pour a layer of superfine sugar on a plate and twirl the glasses in it. Place them in the freezer.
Fill a martini shaker with ice, then add the gin (or vodka), Triple Sec and lemon juice. Add 2 tablespoons of the culled sugar syrup and 1/4 cup of the berry purée. Shake robustly for 10 seconds and strain into the glasses. Serve immediately but sip slowly.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 482, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 75 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 5 milligrams, Sugar 69 grams