Drink Up: The Summertime Blues

Feeling blue about the end of summer?  Cheer up, bluebells, there’s still a little time left before Labor Day.  And if that thought doesn’t brighten you up, maybe this little concoction will.  It’s a refreshing mix of Summer’s best, and only requires a few ingredients and some light berry-squishing.  The Summertime Blues makes a good mocktail without the rum as well, in case you’d like to jump into your convertible and take off for the beach before Autumn arrives and ruins all the fun.

You will need:

¼ C. Fresh (or frozen) blueberries

½ t. brown sugar

1 T. fresh-squeezed lemon juice

2 ounces light rum

Ginger ale

Drop the blueberries into the bottom of a large glass or mason jar.  Add the brown sugar and lemon juice and smash everything together nicely with a muddler or a plain old spoon.  After the brown sugar has dissolved  somewhat, fill the glass with ice and add the rum.  Fill to the top with ginger ale and stir to create a lovely blue color.  Serves one soon-to-be-cheerful person.

Adapted (with a few changes) from Nancy Mitchell, from her great blog, The Backyard Bartender.