I’m always hunting for drinks that everyone at the table can enjoy, and mocktail recipes are definitely up there among my favorites.
This Midnight Blackcurrant Mocktail? It’s fruity, bold, and honestly, it looks stunning at any party, family get-together, or just when you want to treat yourself at home. The blackcurrant flavor is deep and juicy, and you don’t need to raid the whole grocery store to make it.
Whenever I’m craving something sweet that feels a little special, this is what I whip up.
It’s non-alcoholic, so everyone can try it, and honestly, the color just pops on the table.
Want to see how it’s made? Let’s get into it.

Midnight Blackcurrant Mocktail Recipe
I like making this refreshing drink for friends—there’s something about the color and the fizz that always makes it feel a bit more festive.
It’s quick to put together, and you only need a handful of ingredients.
Equipment
- Tall glasses: I go for tall ones so the colors really show off.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To keep things balanced, I measure it all out.
- Mixing jug or pitcher: For mixing up bigger batches or just to keep things tidy.
- Spoon or stirrer: You’ll want to give it a good mix.
- Citrus juicer: Makes squeezing lemons or limes way easier.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing up fruit.
- Ice cube tray: Gotta have enough ice.
- Strainer (optional): If you don’t like pulp or seeds floating around.
- Muddler (optional): Handy for really getting that mint flavor out.
Ingredients
- Blackcurrant cordial or black currant crush: 2-3 tablespoons per serving.
- Fresh lime or lemon juice: About 1 tablespoon per glass for that tang.
- Apple juice: 1/4 cup to sweeten things up.
- Chilled sparkling water, club soda, or seltzer water: 1 cup per serving for bubbles.
- Fresh mint leaves: 4-5 per glass, plus some for garnish.
- Ice cubes: Enough to fill each glass.
- Fresh lime wedges or lemon slices: For garnish, and a bit of extra zing.
- Optional: A few fresh blackcurrants or apple slices for a little flair.
Instructions
- Grab your equipment and wash the mint and fruit.
- Drop mint leaves and lime or lemon juice into the bottom of each glass.
- Give the mint a gentle crush with your muddler or the back of a spoon.
- Pour in the blackcurrant cordial and apple juice.
- Add ice cubes to fill up the glass.
- Top it off with sparkling water or club soda until it’s nearly full.
- Stir gently so everything mingles together.
- Finish with lime wedges, lemon slices, extra mint, and maybe a couple of blackcurrants if you’ve got them.
- Serve right away—best when it’s icy cold and fizzy.
Notes
Fresh ingredients really make the difference here.
I usually pick a blackcurrant cordial that’s not loaded with sugar, but if you like it sweeter, go for it—just tweak the juices so it’s not over the top.
Sometimes I swap in chilled water for the sparkling stuff if I’m not in the mood for fizz.
If I’m making a pitcher for a crowd, I’ll mix up everything but the soda and ice ahead of time, then add those at the last second.
Crushed ice is fun if you want it a bit slushier, and you can mix up the citrus slices for garnish if you’re feeling creative.
No apple juice? Grape juice works, though the flavor definitely shifts.
I use clear glasses and layer things so that gorgeous purple stands out.
Definitely serve it fresh—the mint stays snappy and the bubbles don’t disappear.
Equipment
- Spoon or stirrer
- Knife and cutting board
- Strainer (optional)
- Muddler (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons blackcurrant cordial or blackcurrant crush, up to 3 tbsp if preferred
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1 cup chilled sparkling water or club soda or seltzer
- 4 fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- ice cubes to fill glass
- lime wedges or lemon slices for garnish
- fresh blackcurrants or apple slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Wash the mint and fruit, and gather all your equipment.
- Add mint leaves and lime or lemon juice to the bottom of each glass.
- Gently muddle to release the mint’s aroma.
- Pour in the blackcurrant cordial and apple juice.
- Add ice cubes to fill the glass.
- Top with chilled sparkling water or club soda until nearly full.
- Stir gently to mix everything together.
- Garnish with lime wedges, lemon slices, extra mint, and blackcurrants or apple slices if desired.
- Serve immediately—best icy cold and fizzy!
Notes
Tasting Notes
First sip? The Midnight Blackcurrant Mocktail hits with a bold, fruity punch.
You get that blackcurrant tartness, but it’s not harsh—there’s just enough sweetness to keep it easy-drinking.
The bubbles from the soda make it feel super refreshing.
They sort of lift the berry flavors and make each sip a bit more lively.
The color is this deep, rich purple—honestly, it’s hard not to admire it before you drink.
Some extra notes:
- Smell: Sweet berry with a little citrus if you added lemon.
- Texture: Smooth, with a gentle fizz.
- Sweetness: Middle of the road—definitely not syrupy.
Pile in the ice and it’s super crisp.
A few extra mint leaves? That herbal freshness is always a win.
Must Have Ingredients
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Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
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Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
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Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
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Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
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WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
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Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
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Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
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Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
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1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
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Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
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Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Substitute
Sometimes I run out of black currant juice, and then I’m left scrambling for something similar. Grape juice is usually my go-to—it’s sweet, dark, and honestly, it gets pretty close.
Blueberry juice is another one I like, though it’s a bit tarter. If you want to check out a good blueberry juice recipe, here’s one I like.
When I’m missing black currant balsamic vinegar, I just grab regular balsamic vinegar. To fake a little of that fruity vibe, I’ll toss in a splash of grape or blueberry juice.
Rice vinegar with a spoonful of black currant jam? It sounds odd, but it actually works.
For honey simple syrup, sometimes I just use plain simple syrup. If I’m making the mocktail vegan, agave syrup steps in.
Maple syrup is a fun twist too, if you’re feeling adventurous or just out of everything else.
If I want the drink less sweet, I’ll just skip some or all of the syrup. Easy fix.
For the salt rim, sometimes I use sugar instead, especially when I’m craving something sweeter. Mixing sugar and salt for the rim is weirdly good too—sweet and salty, can’t go wrong.
Quick Substitution Bullet List:
- Grape juice or blueberry juice for black currant juice
- Regular balsamic vinegar plus berry juice for black currant balsamic vinegar
- Agave, maple, or simple syrup for honey simple syrup
- Sugar for salt rim (or mix both)