Active Time

　　10 min

　　Total Time

　　45 min

　　An aromatic syrup that calls to mind the clean smell of the forest enhances the flavor of fresh blueberries. Also, since it's poured over the berries while hot, it colors them a gorgeous sapphire and softens them, making their burst in the mouth even more intense.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　1 cup water

　　3/4 cup sugar

　　15 juniper berries, crushed

　　1 (4-inch) rosemary sprig

　　2 pints blueberries (1 1/2 pounds)

　　1/4 cup dry gin

　　

Garnish:

mint sprigs

　　

Step 1

Boil water, sugar, juniper berries, rosemary, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, until reduced to about 3/4 cup, 10 to 12 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Put blueberries in a heatproof bowl and strain syrup through a sieve over berries. Stir in gin. Macerate until completely cooled, about 30 minutes.

　　Cooks' notes:

　　·Juniper berries can be found in the spice section of your supermarket.

　　·Syrup can be used without gin if desired.

　　·Blueberries can be macerated in syrup with gin, chilled, up to 1 day.