Merry Berry Buck Cocktail Recipe

The Merry Berry Buck is a delightful cocktail that captures the essence of joyous gatherings and festive seasons. It's a relatively modern concoction that has gained popularity for its vibrant taste and refreshing appeal.

• Who Would Like It?
  • Fans of bourbon.
  • Those who appreciate a fruity twist.
  • Cocktail enthusiasts looking for a festive drink.

The Merry Berry Buck offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors, with the robustness of Maker's Mark Bourbon softened by the tangy lemon and sweet cranberry juice. The ginger beer adds a spicy effervescence that makes the drink lively and invigorating.

• The bourbon base of the Merry Berry Buck makes it a hit in regions where whiskey is cherished.
• Cranberries are not just for Thanksgiving; they add a festive touch to cocktails year-round.
• Ginger beer, not to be confused with ginger ale, is what gives this cocktail its distinctive fizz and spice.

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1½ oz of Maker's Mark Bourbon.
3. Pour in ¾ oz of fresh lemon juice.
4. Add 1½ oz of cranberry juice.
5. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
6. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
7. Top with ginger beer.
8. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lemon wheel.

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Chill the highball glass before serving to keep the cocktail cooler for longer.
• If you like your drinks a bit sweeter, you can add a dash of simple syrup to the shaker.

Appetizers

• Cheese platter: The creamy and salty nature of cheeses will complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the Merry Berry Buck.
• Grilled Shrimp: The lemon juice in the cocktail will resonate well with seafood, especially with a light char from grilling.

Main Courses

• Roast Turkey: The cranberry and bourbon flavors make this cocktail a fitting partner for a savory turkey dish, especially during the holidays.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The sweet and spicy profile of the Merry Berry Buck can stand up to the richness of pulled pork.

Desserts

• Lemon Tart: The sharp citrus in the cocktail will echo the tartness in the dessert, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Dark Chocolate: The bourbon's inherent richness pairs nicely with the bitterness of dark chocolate.

• Bourbon: If Maker's Mark is unavailable, try using Bulleit Bourbon or Woodford Reserve for a similar quality.
• Ginger Beer: For a non-alcoholic version, use ginger ale, though the taste will be slightly sweeter and less spicy.
• Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice can be a good substitute if you're looking for a different twist.

Blackberry Buck

Replace cranberry juice with blackberry puree for a thicker, more jammy drink. The blackberry's sweetness will be a stark contrast to the ginger beer's zing, and the color will be a deep, inviting purple. It's the broody cousin to our merry cocktail.

Seasonal Spice Buck

Add a cinnamon stick and a dash of nutmeg to the shaker before mixing. These warm spices will make it taste like Christmas in a cup, turning our Merry Berry Buck into a festive holiday elixir.

Frozen Berry Buck

Blend all the ingredients with a scoop of ice to make a frozen version of the Merry Berry Buck. This twist is perfect for summer days when you need refreshment with a kick. It's like a slushie that's all grown up!