Blackberry Mocktail - Art From My Table

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This Blackberry Mocktail is bursting with bold berry flavor and just the right amount of sparkle. It’s perfect for parties, brunch, or a cozy night in. It’s fruity, fizzy, and beautiful to serve, but the real magic is in the homemade blackberry vanilla tea syrup. It gives this drink depth, a hint of warmth, and that not-too-sweet balance that makes it feel grown-up and special, no alcohol needed.

Blackberry Mocktail in a ribbed glass on a cork coaster, garnished with fresh blackberries and a lime slice, with more glasses and a carafe in the background.

I started exploring and creating Mocktails over 20 years ago before it was popular. I wanted something festive and flavorful that felt a little special without the alcohol. Since then, creating non-alcoholic beverages has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate, connect, and unwind. If you’re gathering with friends, or looking for something fun to sip during Dry January, then this Blackberry Mocktail recipe fits the moment beautifully.

Why this recipe works:

What really sets this mocktail apart is the blackberry vanilla tea syrup. It adds a depth of flavor that makes the drink feel more balanced and interesting. The black tea brings just a touch of that dry, slightly bitter finish (thanks to the tannins), which plays well with the sweet berries and splash of lime. A hint of vanilla warms it up and gives the whole drink a cozy, slightly unexpected twist.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s some notes on ingredients and possible substitutions for this recipe. The ingredients pictured below are for both the syrup and the Mocktail.

Ingredients to make a Blackberry Mocktail: blackberries, honey, sugar, water, vanilla extract, black tea, lime juice, sparkling water and crushed ice.

Blackberries– Fresh or frozen both work well here. I do like to have a few fresh berries for garnishing, but it’s optional. I love having frozen fruit on hand, and here’s a quick tutorial on How To Freeze Berries.
Honey– This is what I used to naturally sweeten the syrup. It adds a gentle floral note and blends nicely with the berries and vanilla. You can swap in coconut sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar as well. Maple syrup will slightly change the flavor, but nothing to worry about. Plain ol’ sugar works great too.
Water– This is used for consistency and balance in the syrup.
Black Tea– This is what really sets the drink apart. Black tea adds depth and a subtle dry finish thanks to the tannins. It keeps the Mocktail from tasting too sweet or one-note. Choose a plain black tea without added flavorings for the best result.
Vanilla Extract– This adds warmth and rounds everything out. It’s a little unexpected in a berry drink and makes such a big difference.
Lime/Lime Juice-Freshly squeezed is always best! It brightens the drink and balances the sweetness of the syrup. You may also want a slice of lime as a garnish. One of my favorite tools is my Citrus Press, makes juicing those limes a breeze!
Sparkling Water -This adds the fun fizz. Bubbles just feel festive! You can use unflavored, citrus, or even berry varieties can work. Typically flavored sparkling water does not contain sugar (and you don’t want it to here) and just a hint of flavor, so it shouldn’t mess with the profile we have going on here, or it can add another slight layer of flavor. Have fun with this! I bought a Soda Stream several years ago and I love having bubbles on hand for any occasion.

How to Make A Blackberry Mocktail

There is two main parts to this easy mocktail recipe, first, making the syrup, and second, building the mocktail. I highly recommend making the syrup in advance and having it chilled and ready to go.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the recipe card below.

Make The Blackberry Vanilla Syrup:

Two image collage showing how to make Blackberry tea syrup for a mocktail. 1. simmer ingredients over heat; 2. strain mixture in a fine mesh sieve.

Stir together the blackberries, honey, and water in a saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries begin to break down. Remove the pan from the heat, and add the tea bag, let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the tea bag, and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently mash the berries with a wooden spoon, then, using a fine mesh sieve, strain the syrup into a bowl and allow it to chill.

Build The Blackberry Mocktail

Two image collage showing how to make a Blackberry Mocktail. 1. pouring in syrup; 2. adding the rest of the ingredients finishing with spakrling water, the image shows the fizz.

Add the chilled blackberry syrup to the glass, you can use 2-3 tablespoons depending on how much flavor you want.
Add lime juice and a handful of ice, and top it off with sparkling water. Give it a gentle stir and garnish it if desired.

Blackberry Mocktail in a highball glass garnished with fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick and a slice of lime. blackberries and lime in the background, blue flower at the bottom of the glass.

I like to garnish with fresh blackberries and a slice of lime. These cocktail picks are fun to have and really give it that bit of extra flair. They also come in gold, so pretty! Plus, you can re-use them.

Tips & Tricks

Cook the syrup low and slow! This keeps the berries from scorching and allows the vanilla to infuse fully.
You can strain the berry mixture twice for an ultra-smooth finish (optional).
Make the syrup ahead of time so it has plenty of time to chill. It will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
Start with chilled ingredients for the best results and to keep that drink fresh longer.
1 lime will yield 1-2 tablespoons of lime juice. It really depends on how juicy it is. Gently roll the lime on a hard surface before juicing to yield more.
You can use more or less honey in the syrup based on your preference. If you like a sweeter syrup, add more, if you like more tart, add less.
For more Mocktail Making tips check out my digital book, “Sips of Joy The Ultimate Mocktail Guide”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes! Frozen blackberries work just as well as fresh ones. No need to thaw, they’ll break down beautifully as the syrup simmers. I still prefer to use fresh blackberries as a garnish because once the frozen berries thaw, they are not the same texture. However, frozen blackberries can be used if you toss them into the drink. They’ll act like ice cubes helping to keep the drink cold.

How sweet is this Mocktail?

It’s lightly sweet, which is what keeps it balanced. You can adjust the syrup with more or less sweetener to your taste. Add more for a dessert-style drink or reduce it for something brighter and tart.

What can I use as a substitute for sparkling water?

If you don’t have Club Soda or another sparkling water, you could use 7-Up or Sprite. These will make the drink quite a bit sweeter though and alter the flavor with more citrus, so keep that in mind.

Can I make this into a cocktail?

Absolutely! Add 1-1 1/2 ounces of vodka, gin, or white rum.

Can I batch this for a group?

You can! Multiply the ingredients for the amount of people your serving. Mix the syrup and lime juice in a pitcher, then let guests top off their glass with sparkling water so it stays fizzy.

Can I skip the tea?

If you don’t have black tea or prefer not to use it, you can leave it out but the drink will be sweeter and less complex. It will still be a great drink.

Variations

One of the things I love about creating recipes is how many different ways you can vary them. Here’s some ideas to change it up a bit when you’re feeling creative.

Try a different berry

Swap out the blackberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend. You can even combine berries for a more complex flavor. My Blueberry Simple Syrup is a favorite!

Use a different tea

Switch the black tea for earl grey (for a citrusy edge), green tea (for something lighter), or a fruity herbal tea to play up the berry flavors (hibiscus would be excellent).

Add herbs

Muddle in a few fresh mint leaves or basil leaves before adding the syrup for a refreshing herbal note. Rosemary also works well as a flavor infusing garnish.

Spice it up

Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even a slice of fresh ginger to the syrup while it simmers. You can also use ginger beer in place of sparkling water for a little more ‘burn’ and ginger flavor. If you love ginger beer as much as me, check out my Moscow Mule recipe.

Make it creamy

Top the finished drink with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of cream for a mocktail float with dessert vibes.

Close-up image of a blackberry mocktail in a ribbed glass, garnished with blackberries on a cocktail pick and a lime slice, with blue flowers beside the glass.

Storing and Freezing

Store the syrup in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or so. If you want to, you can freeze leftover syrup in small portions (like in silicone ice cube trays) for up to 2 months.

The Mocktail is best enjoyed immediately, but you can pre-mix it (without ice or sparkling water) up to 24 hrs ahead, and add the sparkling water and garnishes just before serving.

Blackberry Mocktail Pairings

Have a happy hour and serve some Glazed Pecans, Bacon Wrapped Dates, or some BBQ Meatballs. It also goes great with my Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet, or Air Fryer Fried Pork Chops.

My Blackberry Mocktail is a simple recipe, and is a great fit if you’re choosing alcohol-free options, planning something special for guests, or just want a refreshing way to make your everyday feel a little more special. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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