My friend Lily made us some blackberry acid, which makes a great addition to a gin & tonic.

4 cups fresh berries, or high acid/sweet fruit
4 cups filtered water
1 heaping tbsp tartaric acid
4 cups granulated sugar, or to taste

Put berries in a heat-resistant, nonreactive container. Boil water, add in tartaric acid, and pour mixture over berries. Let cool, cover with cheese cloth, and let rest overnight. Strain mixture through cheese cloth, but don’t press berries too hard.

In a saucepan on low, heat mixture, then add sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Store in refrigerator for 2 days before using. Use 2 fingers of acid or more per large glass of soda. Alcohol optional.

* * * * *

If you live in Seattle, check out my article in the Seattle Weekly about my two favorite places to drink beer, Pacific Rim and Uber — Pints North and South.