In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a medium bowl. Add the eggs one at a time making sure to mix thoroughly. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla and milk.

While mixing on low speed, add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined.

Scoop the batter into cupcake papers filling ⅔ the way up.

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until the centers are springy to the touch.

Place the ingredients in a small saucepan on medium-low heat.

Mash the berries with the back of a spoon or muddler and stir occasionally.

Cook until the mixture is reduced at least by half to intensify the flavor and thicken the liquid.

Strain the reduction and set aside to cool.

Beat the egg whites, salt, and ⅓ cup of sugar until soft peaks form. In a saucepan add the remaining sugar and ⅓ cup water and place on medium-high heat. Stir until sugar melts and becomes clear.

Maintain a medium-high heat until temperature reads 235-240F.

Drizzle the sugar into the mixer (egg whites should be at soft peak stage). Run mixer until meringue is body temperature, about 10-15 minutes.

Add room temperature butter into the running mixer one tablespoon at a time. Beat until butter is combined and mixture has reached a silky consistency.

Mix in the cooled berry reduction and pipe onto cupcakes using an 869 tip. Top with a whole raspberry.