Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler

This elegant mocktail is a beautiful symphony of flavors, creating a sensory experience that is both refreshing and complex. The deep, juicy taste of fresh blackberries provides a sweet and tart foundation, which is perfectly balanced by the earthy, slightly peppery notes of fresh sage. A delicate whisper of floral lavender adds a sophisticated and calming aroma, tying all the elements together. The drink is finished with a lively sparkle from soda water, creating a visually stunning beverage with its deep purple hue, ideal for special occasions or a relaxing afternoon.
Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is categorized as a mocktail, specifically falling into the fruity and herbal subcategories due to its core ingredients. It represents a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink designed for those who appreciate complex flavor profiles without the presence of alcohol.

Serving

This drink is best served cold in a chilled, tall Collins or Highball glass filled with ice to maintain its refreshing temperature. It is a completely alcohol-free beverage, making it a perfect choice for all guests.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This recipe is a modern creation, born from the growing trend of craft mocktails and the desire for sophisticated non-alcoholic options. It draws inspiration from classic garden flavors and herbal pairings often found in artisanal cocktails. The goal was to construct a beverage that offers the same depth and complexity as a traditional alcoholic drink, appealing to a mature palate. Its existence reflects a cultural shift towards more inclusive and mindful drinking experiences.
Origin
As a contemporary mocktail, the Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler does not have a single point of origin but rather emerged from the craft beverage scene in North America and Europe during the 2010s. It is a product of the modern mixology movement that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler

The drink's name, "Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler," is descriptive, highlighting its key fruit, herbal, and floral components. Alternative names like "Blackberry Lavender Sage Soda" or "Sage & Lavender Berry Fizz" similarly emphasize these primary flavors in a straightforward manner.
Original name
Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler
Alternative names
  • Blackberry Lavender Sage Soda
  • Sage & Lavender Berry Fizz

Characteristics overview

This mocktail offers a complex flavor profile that is simultaneously fruity, herbal, and floral, with a refreshing, bubbly texture. Its aromatic bouquet of fresh berries and herbs and its beautiful deep purple color make it a delight for all senses.
Flavor
Fruity, herbal, floral, slightly sweet, tart, earthy
Aroma
Blackberry, sage, lavender, fresh
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and tart
Aftertaste
Clean, herbal, slightly floral
Fizziness
Bubbly, sparkling, effervescent
Color appearance
Deep purple, clear, sparkling
Texture
Light, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink presents a pronounced fruitiness from blackberries and moderate sweetness, elegantly balanced by a light sourness and a subtle herbal bitterness. Being completely non-alcoholic and highly carbonated, it delivers a vibrant and refreshing flavor experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core of this drink is a homemade syrup infused with blackberries, fresh sage, and culinary lavender. This syrup is then shaken with fresh lemon juice and topped with chilled soda water for a sparkling finish.
  • Blackberry Sage Lavender Syrup60 ml / 2 oz
    Made by simmering blackberries, sage, lavender, water, and a sweetener.
  • Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.
  • Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Chilled. Club soda or sparkling water can also be used.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need basic kitchen equipment like a saucepan and strainer to prepare the infused syrup. A cocktail shaker is then used to combine and chill the syrup and lemon juice before serving.
  • Saucepan for making the syrup.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for straining the syrup.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.

Instructions

The process involves creating a flavorful infused syrup from blackberries, sage, and lavender. This syrup is then shaken with lemon juice and ice, strained into a glass, and topped with soda water for a sparkling finish.
1. First, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of blackberries, 5-6 fresh sage leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender, 1/2 cup of sugar (or agave), and 1/2 cup of water.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally and gently muddling the blackberries to release their juice. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors are well infused.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids and allow the syrup to cool completely.
4. To assemble the drink, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 oz (60 ml) of the prepared blackberry sage lavender syrup and 0.5 oz (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
6. Fill a chilled Collins or Highball glass with fresh cubed ice.
7. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass over the ice.
8. Top with about 4 oz (120 ml) of chilled soda water, leaving a little space at the top.
9. Gently stir once, then garnish with a few fresh blackberries and a sprig of sage before serving.

Garnishing

A simple yet elegant garnish of fresh blackberries and a sage sprig enhances the drink's aroma and visual appeal, hinting at the flavors within.
  • A few fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh sage.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten, and it contains no caffeine. It is perfectly suitable for individuals following vegetarian and vegan diets (ensure honey is replaced with agave for vegans).
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is a lighter option, with approximately 80-100 calories per serving. The carbohydrate and sugar content primarily comes from the natural fruit in the syrup and the added sweetener.
Calories
Averagely 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-22 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is exceptionally versatile, making it suitable for elegant gatherings like garden parties, baby showers, and weddings. Its refreshing nature also makes it perfect for casual summer barbecues or as a special treat for a relaxing afternoon. The sophisticated flavor profile ensures it's a welcome addition to any celebration where a distinguished non-alcoholic option is desired.
  • Garden Party
  • Baby Shower
  • Summer Barbecue
  • Relaxing Afternoon
  • Special Celebrations

Pairing suggestions

The herbal and fruity character of this sparkler pairs wonderfully with light and fresh foods. It complements salads, creamy cheeses like goat cheese, and simply prepared grilled meats or fish. For dessert, it's a perfect match for dishes that feature berries or other summer fruits.
  • Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Goat cheese and cracker appetizers
  • Grilled chicken or light fish dishes
  • Berry-based desserts like fruit tarts or pavlova

The Enchanting Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler

The Blackberry Sage & Lavender Sparkler is an elegant and sophisticated alcohol-free beverage that impresses with its complex flavor profile. It masterfully balances the sweetness of blackberries with the earthy notes of sage and the subtle floral aroma of lavender for a truly unique taste. Easy to prepare yet presenting like a craft creation, it's the perfect choice for any occasion requiring a special non-alcoholic drink. This refreshing sparkler is a testament to how delightful and intricate mocktails can be, offering a memorable experience for any palate.

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