Let’s create this delicious drink, starting with the homemade syrup:

Part 1: Make the Blackberry Rhubarb Syrup

1. Combine and Simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of blackberries, ½ cup of chopped rhubarb, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of white sugar.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
3. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the fruit will break down, and the liquid will take on a beautiful deep color.
4. Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a clean bowl.
5. Use the back of a spoon to gently press on the fruit pulp and seeds in the sieve to extract all the flavorful syrup. Discard the solids (or save for another use, like a topping for yogurt).
6. Chill the Syrup: Place the bowl with the strained syrup into the refrigerator to cool completely, about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, you can transfer it to a sealed glass bottle or jar for storage.

Part 2: Assemble the Blackberry Rhubarb Vodka Cocktail

1. Prepare Your Glass: Fill a highball glass (or other tall glass) with ice.
2. Add Vodka and Syrup: Pour 1 ½ oz of vodka and 1 ½ oz of your chilled, homemade Blackberry Rhubarb Syrup over the ice.
3. Top with Club Soda: Fill the remainder of the glass with chilled club soda.
4. Add Lime: Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink, then drop it into the glass.
5. Stir and Garnish: Give the drink a gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
6. To garnish, take a few fresh mint leaves and place them in the palm of one hand. Gently slap them with your other hand – this “wakes up” the mint by releasing its fragrant oils. Place this aromatic mint garnish on top of the cocktail.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

The homemade syrup is the secret to this amazing cocktail!