I first tried Denver-based Leopold Bros.’ Blackberry Liqueur in a cocktail at Root Down. I don’t recall the name of the sip or any other ingredients—only its seductive deep violet color. Since then, I’ve seen—and sampled—the liqueur in drinks all over town. At Freshcraft blended with stout. At Linger stirred with gin, prosecco, lemon juice, and a sprig of basil. No matter the recipe, I’m smitten. The fragrant, sweet-tart liqueur plays well any way you shake.

Curious how easy it would be to make my own creations at home, I bought a bottle and experimented. (Leopold’s makes it easy by providing recipes on its website.) Leopold’s blackberry Italian soda in a tall glass with ice earned points for simplicity. The blackberry gin and tonic scored high on the refreshment meter.

My favorite was an ad hoc creation that blended 1.5 ounces of Hendrick’s gin with 3/4 ounces of Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, 1/2 ounce of Leopold’s Blackberry, one whole fresh-squeezed tangerine, and soda. Pour it into a stout cocktail glass, fill with crushed ice and, ahhhh, purple perfection.