Blackberry Ginger Cooler

I'm trying out a new series here, I'll be sharing some fun mocktail recipes from time to time.  It's all the fun flavors of a cocktail without the alcohol. These are fun drinks that whole family can enjoy. And the first mocktail I'm sharing is a refreshing Blackberry Ginger Cooler.  Last week we visited my parents in Northern Cali, so we picked a few blackberries.  There wasn't enough to make jam, but I did pick enough to make a couple batches of this yummy blackberry ginger syrup.  

Blackberry Ginger Syrup

2 cups of fresh blackberries
1 cup of water
3 tbsp. finely grated fresh ginger
1 cup sugar
another cup of water

In a pot, crush the blackberries with a potato masher or the back of a large spoon.  Add the first cup of water and the ginger.  Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 mins.  Remove from the heat and strain the berries through a fine mesh sieve.  Pour the liquid into a large measuring cup.  Add enough water (about 1 cup) to make 2 cups of liquid.  Pour the liquid back into a pot and add 1 cup of sugar.
Bring to a broil and boil for 5 mins.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

To make the coolers, mix about 1-2 oz. of syrup with either ginger ale or club soda in a glass with lots of ice and a couple whole blackberries.

Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple weeks.

I can't get enough of ginger, it's one of my favorite flavors.  It's bright, crisp and always refreshing. These pretty drinks could definitely be given a little grown-up kick with a splash of your favorite gin. I'm not stopping you. What are your favorite flavor combinations?  Is this a series you'd like to see more of?