It's berry season, which means our smoothies are more varied, our fruit salads are more colorful, and our berry cocktails — well, those are always in season, thanks to the new Stoli Blakberi, the latest in a long line of inspired flavors from the Russian brand. (When we say “long line,” we mean it: Stolichnaya was the first premium vodka to be exported to the United States, way back in the 1960s.) Smooth enough to drink on its own, Stoli Blakberi also pairs well with all kinds of liquid mixers and herbs. Do your own experimenting, or take one of Stoli’s suggestions for a tried-and-true creation (after all, they are professionals): the B&B (Stoli Blakberi, Italian sparkling lemonade, and basil); the Mint Summer Nightini (Stoli Blakberi, fresh cucumber juice, simple syrup, and mint); the Blakberi Blues (Stoli Blakberi, Stoli Blueberi, cranberry juice, simple syrup, raspberry liqueur, lemon, and sage); or the Blakberi Lavender Fizz (Stoli Blakberi, fresh lemon and lime juice, lavender-infused agave nectar syrup, and club soda). Pick up a bottle ($18.99/750 ml; $24.99/liter; $29.99/1.75 liters) at Atlas Liquors (156 Mystic Avenue, Medford, 781.395.4400), or try the spirit in a cocktail at 33 Restaurant & Lounge (33 Stanhope Street, Boston, 617.372.3311).
