Blackberry Mocktail.

This Blackberry Mocktail is bursting with bold berry flavor and just the right amount of sparkle. 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.

Course Beverage

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 168kcal

Author Chellie Schmitz

Cost $5

Equipment

Small saucepan
Fine Mesh Strainer
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
measuring cups and spoons
citrus press optional for juicing the lime
Highball or stemmed glass

Ingredients

For the blackberry vanilla syrup:

½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
2 tablespoons honey or sugar/sweetener
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 black tea bag

For the mocktail:

3 tablespoons blackberry vanilla syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Ice
Sparkling water or club soda
Fresh blackberries and lime slices for garnish optional

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Blackberry Vanilla Syrup:

Stir together the blackberries, honey, and water in a small saucepan.
½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries, 2 tablespoons honey, ¼ cup water
Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to break down.
Remove from heat. Add the tea bag and let it steep for 3 minutes.
1 black tea bag
Remove the tea bag, stir in vanilla extract, and gently mash the berries with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Strain through a fine mesh sieve (pressing lightly) and allow the syrup cool. For best results, chill the syrup. This can be made ahead if needed.

Build the Mocktail:

Add 3-4 tablespoons of the blackberry vanilla syrup to a glass.
3 tablespoons blackberry vanilla syrup
Add lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Fill the glass with ice
Ice
Top with sparkling water for a bubbly finish. Gently stir to combine.
Sparkling water or club soda
Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lime slice.
Fresh blackberries and lime slices for garnish

Notes

Prep time for this recipe does not include the time to make and chill the syrup. The syrup will take about 10 minutes to make and 15-30 minutes to chill. It can be made in advance if desired (my personal recommendation).
Cook the syrup low and slow! This keeps the berries from scorching and allows the vanilla to infuse fully.
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.
Start with chilled ingredients for the best results.
You can strain the berry mixture twice for an ultra-smooth finish (optional).
Store any leftover syrup in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
Or, you can freeze any 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. Keep it chilled, and add sparkling water and garnishes just before serving.

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS:

Berries: Swap with blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend.
Sweetener: maple syrup, agave syrup. coconut sugar, or just plain sugar.
Muddle 3-4 fresh mint leaves, or basil leaves. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the syrup.
Top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy dessert-like drink.

Nutrition