More a guideline than a recipe, this Berry Bramble is easily customizable. Use your favorite berries — or the freshest finds from the farmers market — and your spirit and sweetness level of choice to create a custom summer sipper that’s uniquely you.

1 ¾ ounces gin (vodka or tequila also work well)
1 ounce lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrup
2-3 teaspoons crushed or macerated berries

Combine gin or other spirit, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker. Shake without ice.
Spoon berries into a rocks glass. Add crushed ice to the brim of the glass.
Pour the contents of the shaker over the ice, and agitate slightly with a spoon. The colors of the berries should start to seep into the spirits mixture.
If desired, top with more crushed ice, and garnish with fresh mint and whole berries.

For simple syrup: Add 1 cup white sugar into 1 cup hot water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate for up to one month.

For macerated berries: Mix 1 cup fresh berries, 1 teaspoon cider vinegar, and 2-3 teaspoons of sugar. Adjust the amount of sugar, depending on ripeness of fruit and desired sweetness. Allow mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.