Blackberry Cardamom Fizz

The Blackberry Cardamom Fizz is an elegant and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that offers a complex flavor profile. It combines muddled fresh blackberries with a homemade cardamom-infused simple syrup, topped with sparkling water for a delightful effervescence. The result is a beautifully hued beverage that is both visually appealing and delicious, perfect for any celebration or a quiet evening. It's a wonderful alternative to a classic gin fizz or sparkling wine cocktail.
Blackberry Cardamom Fizz

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a mocktail, an alcohol-free beverage that mimics the complexity and presentation of a traditional cocktail. It falls squarely into the non-alcoholic category, perfect for those seeking sophisticated flavor without intoxication.

Serving

Served cold in a chilled Collins or highball glass, this is a standard-sized, completely non-alcoholic mocktail. The tall glass showcases its beautiful color and effervescence.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

This mocktail is a modern creation, born from the growing trend of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages. It draws inspiration from classic soda fountain drinks and the use of culinary spices in mixology. The combination of blackberry and cardamom reflects a desire for more nuanced, adult flavors in alcohol-free options, moving beyond overly sweet juice-based mocktails.
Origin
A contemporary creation emerging from modern mixology trends in North America and Europe around the 2010s. There is no single point of origin, but it represents the craft mocktail movement.

Blackberry Cardamom Fizz

The drink is primarily known as Blackberry Cardamom Fizz. It is sometimes referred to as a Spiced Blackberry Sparkler due to the warming cardamom spice. Another simple name is Cardamom Berry Soda, which describes its core components.
Original name
Blackberry Cardamom Fizz
Alternative names
  • Spiced Blackberry Sparkler
  • Cardamom Berry Soda

Characteristics overview

This mocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet-tart blackberry flavor enhanced by warm, aromatic cardamom spice. Its bubbly texture and deep magenta color make it a refreshing and visually appealing drink suitable for any season.
Flavor
Fruity, Spiced, Tart, Sweet, Aromatic
Aroma
Blackberry, Cardamom, Citrusy
Taste balance
Sweet-tart, Spiced
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering spice, Fruity
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Deep purple, Magenta, Translucent, Bubbly
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Particularly good in late summer and autumn

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a moderate sweetness and a prominent fruitiness from the blackberries, complemented by a gentle tartness and a distinct but not overpowering cardamom spice. It is highly carbonated and completely alcohol-free.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need fresh blackberries, lemon juice, sparkling water, and a simple homemade cardamom syrup. The syrup is the key to the drink's unique spiced flavor.
  • Fresh Blackberries6-8 berries
    For muddling. Plus more for garnish.
  • Cardamom Simple Syrup22 ml / 0.75 oz
    Made by simmering water, sugar, and crushed cardamom pods. See instructions.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is best for brightness.
  • Sparkling Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Club soda or seltzer water works well.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

A cocktail shaker, muddler, and a fine mesh strainer are the key tools for this recipe. The muddler releases the blackberry juice, and the double straining ensures a smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Muddler for crushing the blackberries.
  • Strainer (fine mesh) to remove berry seeds.

Instructions

First, create a cardamom-infused simple syrup. Then, muddle blackberries in a shaker, add syrup, lemon juice, and ice, shake well, and double strain into an ice-filled glass before topping with sparkling water and garnishing.
1. Prepare the Cardamom Simple Syrup: Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 5-6 lightly crushed green cardamom pods in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain out the pods and let the syrup cool completely.
2. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the 6-8 fresh blackberries.
3. Add the cardamom simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a handful of ice to the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Fill a chilled Collins or highball glass with fresh ice.
6. Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass to remove blackberry seeds and pulp.
7. Top with sparkling water and give a gentle stir to combine.
8. Garnish with a skewer of fresh blackberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Garnishing

Garnish with a skewer of fresh blackberries and a fragrant sprig of rosemary or thyme. A lemon twist can also be expressed over the top to release its aromatic oils.
  • Fresh Blackberries on a skewer.
  • Sprig of fresh Rosemary or Thyme for an aromatic touch.
  • Lemon twist expressed over the drink.

Dietary Information

This mocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and contains no caffeine or alcohol.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with its primary caloric content coming from the sugar in the simple syrup and natural sugars in the fruit.
Calories
Approximately 100-120 kcal / 418-502 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 25-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 22-27 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile mocktail is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from celebratory events like baby showers and holiday parties to casual brunches. Its sophisticated flavor profile also makes it a perfect choice for a relaxing evening at home.
  • Baby Shower
  • Brunch
  • Social Gatherings
  • Relaxing Evening
  • Holiday Party

Pairing suggestions

The drink's fruity and spiced notes pair wonderfully with tangy goat cheese, light salads, and grilled poultry or fish. For a sweet pairing, it complements simple desserts like shortbread or almond biscotti.
  • Goat cheese and cracker appetizers.
  • Light salads with balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Grilled chicken or fish.
  • Shortbread cookies or almond biscotti.

Blackberry Cardamom Fizz: A Symphony of Spice and Berry

The Blackberry Cardamom Fizz is a testament to the art of the modern mocktail, offering complexity and depth without alcohol. Its foundation of sweet-tart blackberries is elevated by a fragrant, homemade cardamom syrup, creating a unique spiced-fruit profile. Topped with bubbly sparkling water and served over ice, it's a visually stunning and deeply refreshing beverage. Perfect for any occasion, it provides a sophisticated, flavorful experience for all to enjoy.

Variations

Blackberry Ginger Fizz

Replace the cardamom syrup with a ginger syrup and top with ginger ale or ginger beer instead of sparkling water for a spicier kick.

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