A Blackberry Sage Smash Cocktail is a refreshing drink that combines fruity and herbal flavors.
This cocktail mixes fresh blackberries, sage leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, and your choice of gin or vodka. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a tasty beverage.
The drink gets its name from the “smashing” or muddling of the blackberries and sage. This process releases the fruit juices and herb oils, creating a flavorful base for the cocktail. The result is a beautiful purple-hued drink with a balanced taste of sweet, tart, and earthy notes.
Making a Blackberry Sage Smash at home is easy and fun. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create this impressive cocktail for yourself or your guests. It’s a great way to use fresh seasonal berries and herbs from your garden or local market.
Blackberry Sage Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Glasses (old-fashioned or rocks glasses work well)
Ingredients
For one cocktail, gather these ingredients:
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- 2-3 fresh sage leaves
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Club soda optional
- Extra blackberries and sage leaves for garnish
Use high-quality gin for the best flavor. Fresh blackberries and sage are key to this recipe’s taste.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Blackberry Sage Smash:
- Put blackberries and sage leaves in the bottom of a shaker.
- Muddle gently to release flavors.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Strain the mix into an ice-filled glass.
- Top with a splash of club soda if desired.
- Garnish with a blackberry and sage leaf.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to taste.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Sage Smash cocktail offers a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Ripe blackberries provide a fruity sweetness, while fresh sage adds an earthy, herbal note.
The drink has a rich purple color from the muddled blackberries. Its aroma is a mix of berry and sage scents.
When sipped, the cocktail starts with a burst of blackberry flavor. The sage comes through in the middle, giving a savory touch. The finish has a slight tartness from fresh lemon juice.
The texture is smooth yet slightly pulpy from the muddled fruit. Ice helps keep the drink cool and refreshing.
Alcohol notes are present but not overpowering. The spirit’s warmth complements the other flavors without dominating them.
This cocktail pairs well with:
- Grilled meats
- Cheese plates
- Light desserts
The Blackberry Sage Smash is best enjoyed:
- On a warm summer evening
- As a pre-dinner drink
- At outdoor gatherings
Its unique flavor profile makes it stand out from more common cocktails. The mix of fruit and herb creates a drink that is both familiar and intriguing.
Substitute
If you don’t have blackberries or sage on hand, don’t worry. You can still make a tasty cocktail with other ingredients.
For the blackberries, try using raspberries or blueberries instead. These berries will give a similar fruity flavor to the drink.
No sage? Use mint as a swap. Mint pairs well with berries and adds a fresh taste to the cocktail.
Can’t find the exact liquor called for? Here are some options:
- Replace bourbon with rye whiskey or dark rum
- Swap simple syrup for honey or agave nectar
- Use lemon juice instead of lime juice
Don’t have a muddler? A wooden spoon works to mash the berries and herbs.
Remember, cocktails are flexible. Feel free to experiment with what you have in your kitchen. You might create a new favorite drink!
