Blackberry Ginger Ale

This homemade Blackberry Ginger Ale is a sophisticated and delightful non-alcoholic beverage. It features a simple-to-make blackberry syrup that infuses the drink with a deep, fruity flavor and a beautiful jewel-toned color. Topped with chilled ginger ale, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tart, and spicy, creating a complex and satisfying drink for all ages.
Blackberry Ginger Ale

Preparation

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Blackberry Ginger Ale is classified as a mocktail, a non-alcoholic mixed drink. It falls into the sparkling drink category due to its carbonated base. This makes it a refreshing and bubbly beverage perfect for any occasion.

Serving

This drink is served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. It is completely non-alcoholic, making it a perfect choice for everyone.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While there's no single origin story, homemade sodas and fruit-infused drinks have been popular for centuries. This specific combination builds on the classic pairing of dark berries and spicy ginger. It's a modern take on old-fashioned soda fountain drinks, designed for those seeking a more flavorful and artisanal alcohol-free option.
Origin
This is a modern mocktail without a specific geographical origin or date. It's part of the contemporary craft mocktail movement, likely emerging in the early 21st century in North America or Europe.

Blackberry Ginger Ale

This drink is primarily known as Blackberry Ginger Ale. It is sometimes called Blackberry Ginger Fizz, especially when made with soda water instead of ginger ale. The name Spiced Blackberry Soda can also be used if additional spices are included in the syrup.
Original name
Blackberry Ginger Ale
Alternative names
  • Blackberry Ginger Fizz
  • Spiced Blackberry Soda

Characteristics overview

This mocktail presents a beautiful deep purple hue and offers a fruity, spicy flavor profile with a sweet-spicy balance. The texture is light and bubbly, leaving a clean, refreshing aftertaste with a hint of ginger.
Flavor
Fruity, Spicy, Sweet, Tart, Earthy
Aroma
Blackberry, Ginger, Citrus
Taste balance
Sweet-Spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering Ginger Spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Deep Purple, Magenta, Translucent
Texture
Light, Crisp, Bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, characterized by a pleasant fruitiness from the blackberries and a noticeable spicy kick from the ginger. It's a well-carbonated, alcohol-free beverage with balanced sweetness and tartness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires making a simple syrup from fresh blackberries, sugar, and water. The base is then mixed with fresh lime juice and topped with chilled ginger ale.
  • Fresh Blackberries1 cup (for syrup)
    Used to make the base syrup. Frozen blackberries can also be used.
  • Water1/2 cup (for syrup)
    For making the blackberry syrup.
  • Sugar1/2 cup (for syrup)
    Adjust to taste. Use granulated white sugar or cane sugar.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is best for brightness.
  • Ginger Ale120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
    Chilled. Use a quality brand with a good ginger flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a saucepan and a sieve to prepare the blackberry syrup. A bar spoon is useful for gently combining the ingredients in the glass to preserve carbonation.
  • Saucepan: For making the blackberry syrup.
  • Fine-mesh sieve: To strain the syrup.
  • Bar spoon: For gently stirring the final drink.

Instructions

The process involves making a fresh blackberry syrup, which is then cooled. To serve, combine the syrup and lime juice over ice in a glass, top with ginger ale, and garnish.
1. Prepare the Blackberry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of blackberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Simmer and Strain: Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, mashing the berries occasionally. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Let the syrup cool completely.
3. Assemble the Drink: Fill a Highball glass with cubed ice.
4. Add Ingredients: Pour 45-60 ml (1.5-2 oz) of the cooled blackberry syrup and 15 ml (0.5 oz) of fresh lime juice into the glass.
5. Top and Stir: Top with chilled ginger ale and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine.
6. Garnish: Garnish with a few fresh blackberries on a pick and a sprig of fresh mint.

Garnishing

Garnish with a cocktail pick of fresh blackberries and a lime wedge or wheel. A sprig of fresh mint adds a lovely aromatic touch and a pop of green color.
  • Fresh Blackberries: Skewer a few fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick.
  • Lime Wedge: Place a small wedge of lime on the rim of the glass.
  • Mint Sprig: Add a fresh sprig of mint for aroma and color.

Dietary Information

This mocktail is naturally alcohol-free, caffeine-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. It can be made gluten-free and vegan by selecting appropriate ginger ale and sugar.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric, primarily due to the sugar in the homemade syrup and the ginger ale. The carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively high, making it a sweet treat.
Calories
Averagely 140-180 kcal / 585-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 35-45 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 33-43 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Its refreshing and elegant nature makes it suitable for a wide range of events, from casual summer parties and brunches to celebratory occasions like baby showers. It's also simple enough to be enjoyed as a special everyday treat.
  • Summer Parties
  • Brunches
  • Baby Showers
  • Everyday Refresher

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and spicy profile of this mocktail pairs wonderfully with savory and spicy foods. It complements light salads with goat cheese, grilled meats, and can also be enjoyed with tangy desserts.
  • Spicy Appetizers
  • Goat Cheese Salad
  • Grilled Chicken or Pork
  • Light Desserts like Lemon Tart

Blackberry Ginger Ale: A Bubbly Berry Delight

The Blackberry Ginger Ale is a vibrant, refreshing, and sophisticated mocktail that's simple to prepare at home. Its foundation is a rich, homemade blackberry syrup, which provides a deep fruity sweetness and a stunning color. Balanced with the crispness of fresh lime juice and the spicy warmth of ginger ale, this drink offers a complex yet approachable flavor experience. Perfect for any occasion, it's a delightful alcohol-free option that feels special and celebratory.

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