“You who swallowed a falling star, o’ heartless man, your heart will soon belong to me”
My wife has always been my guiding light when it came to broadening my horizons. She had repeatedly asked me to sit down and watch a Studio Ghibli film with her, but I always found a way to recuse myself from the situation. Never could understand my own hesitation, but perhaps Japanese animation was something I was just not drawn to, no pun intended. During the pandemic, it seems my own apprehensions towards trying something new had been lifted, as my guard was more focused on something a bit graver. Seated beside my wife, I watched Howl’s Moving Castle and came to the stark realization that I was an absolute buffoon for waiting this long. This masterpiece deserved all the praise and accolades that others had given it, who all shared the same sentiment towards my past self: “What do you mean you haven’t seen it?!” Don’t worry, this will not be my last Studio Ghibli film, but Howl’s Moving Castle will forever hold a place in my heart. For our inaugural edition of GateCrashers: Happy Hour, I present to you Howl’s Falling Star, a delightful Blackberry laden summer cocktail. Bottoms Up!
INGREDIENTS
Blackberry Infused Vodka
Blackberry Liqueur
Blackberry White Claw
Lemon (for Garnish)
Crystallized Lemon Packet (Or use juice from lemon)
Ice
MATERIALS
Shaker with strainer
Cocktail Glass
Spoon
Peeler
Measured Shot Glass
Blackberry Infused Vodka
1 Cup of Vodka
6oz Fresh Blackberries
- Pour all 6oz of Blackberries into a small mixing bowl.
- Using a muddler, whisk, or anything able to crush a small fruit, begin to press the blackberries into puree.
- Pour in your cup of Vodka and begin to muddle/whisk the two together. Continue until combined.
- Strain out the larger blackberry granules and place in mason jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
Howl’s Falling Star
- Place ice into Shaker.
- Pour 2 shots (60mls / 2oz) of Blackberry Infused Vodka into shaker.
- Pour 1 shot (30mls / 1oz) of Blackberry Liqueur into shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Place ice into cocktail glass.
- Pour 90mls/3oz of Blackberry White Claw into cocktail glass.
- Sprinkle Crystallized Lemon Packet into cocktail glass or pour ½ shot (15mls / ½ oz) of lemon juice.
- Pour contents of shaker into cocktail glass using strainer.
- Stir beverage in cocktail glass.
- Use peeler to cut a small strip of lemon peel, commonly referred to as a twist.
- Place lemon twist on top of drink and Enjoy!
