Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? The blackberry sage smash mocktail brings together sweet berries and aromatic herbs for a sophisticated beverage anyone can enjoy.
This simple yet elegant mocktail combines muddled blackberries with fresh sage, lemon juice, and a touch of honey for a perfectly balanced drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The deep purple color makes this mocktail stand out at any gathering, while the herb garnish adds a professional touch.
Perfect for summer afternoons, special celebrations, or when you want something special without the spirits.
This recipe takes just minutes to prepare but will impress your guests with its complex flavors and eye-catching presentation.
The combination of tart berries and earthy sage creates a unique taste experience that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Blackberry Sage Smash Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Muddler (or wooden spoon as alternative)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Highball or rocks glass
- Ice cube tray
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
Ingredients
For one serving:
- 6-8 fresh blackberries or ¼ cup frozen, thawed
- 3-4 fresh sage leaves plus extra for garnish
- 1 oz 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 oz 2 tbsp simple syrup
- 4 oz soda water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel for garnish optional
For simple syrup:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
The quality of ingredients matters in this recipe. Fresh blackberries provide the best flavor, but frozen work well when out of season.
Instructions
- Make simple syrup (if needed): Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool before using. This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Muddle the berries and herbs: Place blackberries and sage leaves in the bottom of your shaker or jar. Gently muddle to release juices and oils without completely crushing the berries.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the lime juice and simple syrup. Add ice to the shaker, close tightly, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish and enjoy: Add a fresh sage leaf and lime wheel to the rim of the glass for garnish.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Sage Smash Mocktail offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Fresh blackberries provide a rich berry foundation that’s both fruity and slightly tangy.
Sage adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the sweetness of the berries. This herb brings a subtle complexity without overpowering the drink.
The lemon juice brightens the mocktail with fresh acidity that cuts through the sweetness. This citrus element helps create a well-rounded flavor profile.
Flavor Profile:
- First Sip: Sweet blackberry with a hint of herbal sage
- Mid-palate: Tart lemon with berry depth
- Finish: Clean, refreshing with lingering sage notes
The texture is smooth yet has a pleasant thickness from the muddled berries. Ice dilution creates a refreshing quality perfect for warm weather enjoyment.
This mocktail tastes best when very cold. The flavors become more pronounced as the drink sits for a few minutes, allowing the sage to infuse fully.
Food pairings work well with this drink. It complements light appetizers, grilled foods, and desserts featuring berries or lemon.
The color of the drink presents a deep purple-red that lightens slightly toward the edges. This visual appeal adds to the overall experience of the mocktail.
Substitute
Not everyone has blackberries or sage on hand. You can still make a tasty mocktail with some simple swaps.
For blackberries, try using raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. Each berry brings a different flavor but works well with the other ingredients.
Fresh sage can be replaced with basil, mint, or rosemary. These herbs add their own unique touch to the drink.
If you want a less sweet drink, cut the simple syrup in half or use a sugar-free option.
For a different flavor profile, try adding a splash of grapefruit juice or cranberry juice to the mix.
No muddler? Use the back of a wooden spoon to crush the berries and herbs. This works almost as well as a proper muddler.
