Blackberry Sage Ranch Water Cocktail Recipe

If you’re into simple cocktails with fresh flavor, give this twist on a Texas classic a shot. Blackberries, sage, lime, and sparkling water come together for a crisp balance of sweet and herbal notes. This Blackberry Sage Ranch Water cocktail takes the classic up a notch—without making things complicated.

Honestly, I love how this drink looks and tastes—it feels a little fancy but still super easy to make. You can bring it out at a backyard hangout or just sip it on a quiet night in.

The recipe uses basic ingredients and quick steps, so you spend more time enjoying and less time fussing.

Check out the recipe details and tasting notes below. Each ingredient brings something unique to the final flavor.

Blackberry Sage Ranch Water Cocktail Recipe

Sweet blackberries, earthy sage, and the crisp fizz of sparkling mineral water all mix together in this drink. The combo of tequila, lime, and herbs makes for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and a little bit special.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling the ingredients
• Muddler to crush the blackberries and sage leaves
• Fine mesh strainer to get rid of pulp and bits of herbs
• Jigger or measuring cup for accuracy
• Bar spoon for stirring
• Highball glass or Collins glass for serving
• Small knife and cutting board for slicing lime wedges
• Ice for shaking and serving

I like to have everything ready before I start. It just makes things smoother, and the drink stays cold.

Ingredients

• 4–5 fresh blackberries
• 2–3 fresh sage leaves, plus one small sage sprig for garnish
• 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Sparkling mineral water or Topo Chico, to top
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Ripe blackberries muddle easier and give more juice, so I always grab those if I can. Sage brings in that herbal note that just works with tequila.

Instructions

• Toss blackberries and sage leaves into the cocktail shaker.
• Gently muddle until the berries break down and you can really smell the sage.
• Pour in tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Add ice and shake for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain the mix into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with sparkling mineral water or Topo Chico.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a sage sprig and a lime wedge.

I usually taste before adding the sparkling water—sometimes I want more lime, sometimes a bit more sweetness.

Notes

Topo Chico is my favorite for this because those bubbles just hang around longer. If you want a lighter drink, use fewer blackberries or skip the simple syrup.

Craving a stronger herbal vibe? Muddle in an extra sage leaf. Use sparkling water if you can’t find mineral water, but just know the fizz might be a little softer.

For a mocktail, swap the tequila for more sparkling water and a splash of lime juice. I like chilling the glass first—it keeps everything crisp and cold a bit longer.

Tasting Notes

Right away, I get this clean burst of bright blackberry mixed with a hint of fresh sage. The berries bring just enough sweetness without taking over.

That sage? It slips in with a gentle herbal vibe, mellowing out the fruit.

Lime juice jumps in, adding this crisp, almost zesty edge that keeps things lively. The sparkling water lifts the whole thing, so it goes down super easy.

When I go in for another sip, the tequila finally makes itself known—subtle, but it’s there. It adds a warm, earthy layer that somehow ties everything together.

The finish? It’s dry and smooth, with just a touch of herbs lingering around. I honestly appreciate how the flavors hang back for a bit, leaving a clean mouthfeel and, honestly, making me want another sip.