Hi friends! I love a little summer cocktail, do you? I can't claim to be much of a bartender though. I am more of a “can you make a recommendation?” when I want something a little different. However, I decided one day to put some of my fear of mixing drinks aside and come up with my own fresh take on a summer cocktail.
One of my favorite summer berries is blackberries and since I had some on hand, that ‘s what I used to make this super simple syrup and summer cocktail.
Simple syrup is an essential sweetener for drinks and cocktails and it is very easy to make yourself. Don't be intimidated! 
I began by heating equal parts of sugar and water until sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool completely.
Next crush your blackberries and add them to your sugar solution to steep for an hour.
Drain and funnel into a jar to save.
The syrup is good refrigerated for approximately one month. Think of all the possibilities!?
For this particular drink, I used my simple syrup, a splash of OJ and a shot of Malibu rum. 
RECIPE:
1 oz blackberry syrup
2 oz of rum (of your choice)
1 oz of OJ
Mix in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well to combine. Strain into glass filled with ice.
Enjoy! YUM!
I am considering lots of possibilities including vodka and club soda as well.
Any thoughts on combinations you'd like?
