My Favorite Cocktail In Tuscaloosa, Alabama

BITE THIS! and SIP THIS!, take a look at some of the best food and drink in West Alabama. Here's the latest SIP THIS! review:

OK, OK first things first...I know that we have some amazing cocktail bars in Tuscaloosa.

R&R Cigars and Session Cocktails come to mind. Let me be clear and say that I haven't had a cocktail at either of those establishments. This is based on what I have had since coming back to Tuscaloosa.

I don't know about you but I am always thirsty for something ice-cold and refreshing.

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Is that enough?

Not for me, and I am betting, many of you. I also need something that tastes great.

I feel a little bit guilty for this review. I am well aware of the great local bars and restaurants in our city. We must remember that the staff of these "national chains" are local, Tuscaloosa or West Alabama residents as well.

However, it is my duty to bring you an honest review of this drink.

The drink is the best thing I have had in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at least up to this point.

I've had a wonderful libation, or two, at So Cal Cantina, like the "Smoked Fashioned" with that smoke-infused orange in the mix.

However, back during our sweltering summer, with temps over 100 degrees, I made my way into the Tuscaloosa location of Outback Steakhouse.

I was simply looking for a good slice of Prime Rib, and that is usually when good things are discovered.

There I was, waiting at the bar for my order when the bartender started making a drink. I saw him "muddling" and mashing up some great-looking blackberries. The smell was intoxicating and took me back to my childhood.

I lived on a road with wild blackberry bushes all up and down my street. Nothing beats a fresh-picked blackberry.

Now, I had to have whatever he was making. The bartender told me it was a Blackberry Margarita. I was relieved to hear that it was on the rocks and not frozen.

He made me a Blackberry Martini, and I fell for it after the first sip. It was made perfectly. First, it was ice cold with that fresh blackberry puree hitting my tastebuds first and foremost. It also had a perfect balance of fruit vs. alcohol.

I don't enjoy drinking something that tastes like lighter fluid. This drink had such a great flavor and balance that I downed it much quicker than I expected.

It was so good. I told the bartender to hit me one more time. I had to have one more Blackberry Martini.

The second dose was just as good as the first. I don't know, maybe it was a bit better than the first drink. I am certain of one thing. It was the drink I have enjoyed the most since living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Outback bartender informed me that the Blackberry Martini is the #2 selling drink at the Australian-themed restaurant.

If you like fresh Blackberries, you will love the Blackberry Martini.