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For this drink, you need 1 cup of fresh blackberries. Choose ripe, plump blackberries. They should be deep purple and sweet. Avoid any that are mushy or moldy. Fresh berries give the best flavor. You can also use frozen berries if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw them before use. You will need 1/4 cup of fresh sage leaves for a great taste. Sage adds a unique earthiness to the drink. In addition, gather these items: - 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons) - 1 cup sugar (or to taste) - 4 cups cold water Fresh lemon juice is key. It brightens the drink and balances the sweetness of the sugar. For garnishing, lemon slices work well. They add color and a fresh look. A sprig of sage can also enhance the drink's appeal. Adjust sweetness to your liking. You may add more sugar if needed, or try honey or agave for a different taste. Enjoy making this refreshing summer drink! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of fresh blackberries and 1/2 cup of cold water. Cook this mix over medium heat. Use a fork to mash the blackberries as they heat. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the blackberries to break down and release their juice. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat. Next, strain the blackberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Press down to get all the juice out. Discard any seeds and pulp. Now, you have a sweet blackberry syrup ready to use! In the same saucepan, add another 1/2 cup of cold water along with 1/4 cup of fresh sage leaves. Heat this mix over low heat for about 5 minutes. This step lets the sage flavor seep into the water. After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sage leaves steep for another 10 minutes. Once steeped, strain the sage leaves out. You now have sage-infused water, which adds a unique twist to your drink. Now it’s time to mix everything together. In a large pitcher, combine the blackberry syrup, sage-infused water, and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This juice comes from about 4 to 6 lemons. Next, add 1 cup of sugar. You can adjust the sugar based on your taste. Pour in the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well until the sugar fully dissolves. Taste your lemonade and adjust the sweetness if needed. Finally, refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This chill time allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Serve it over ice cubes with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of sage for that perfect summer drink! To get the best flavor from your blackberry sage lemonade, start with fresh blackberries. They have the most juice and sweetness. Look for ones that are plump and dark. Use fresh sage leaves as well. They bring a wonderful aroma to your drink. When cooking the blackberries, mash them well to release all the juices. Strain the mixture carefully to keep your lemonade smooth and clear. Sweetness is key to a great lemonade. After making your drink, taste it. If it's too tart, add more sugar gradually. Stir well after each addition. You can also use honey or agave syrup for a different flavor. Chill your lemonade for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and makes it refreshing. Serve it over ice to keep it cool on hot days. Garnishes can make your drink more appealing. Use fresh lemon slices to add color and zest. A sprig of sage on top adds a nice touch and hints at the flavors inside. You can also add a few whole blackberries for a pop of color. These simple garnishes make your drink look fancy and inviting. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest blackberries and sage for the best flavor. Look for plump, ripe berries and vibrant green sage leaves. Adjusting Sweetness: Start with less sugar and adjust to taste. You can always add more sugar, but it's harder to fix an overly sweet lemonade. Chill Time: Allow the lemonade to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall taste. Garnishing: Get creative with garnishes! Besides lemon slices and sage, consider adding a few whole blackberries or a sprig of mint for added color and flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the sugar in this recipe to fit your taste. Honey is a great choice. It adds a unique flavor. Maple syrup also works well. Use it in the same amount as sugar. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, try stevia or erythritol. These options provide sweetness without the calories. Just remember, start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can control the sweetness level. You can mix in other fruits to brighten the drink. Try adding fresh oranges or limes. Their zest adds a nice twist. You can also use strawberries or raspberries. Just mash them like the blackberries. This will create a colorful and tasty drink. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a splash of grapefruit juice. It adds a tart kick that complements the sage well. Blackberry sage lemonade shines as a refreshing drink. For an adult twist, add gin or vodka. These spirits blend well with the flavors. Serve over ice with a lemon slice on top. If you want a fun mocktail, add sparkling water instead. It gives a bubbly texture without the alcohol. You can also garnish with extra sage and blackberries for a fancy touch. This makes the drink look pretty and inviting. To store leftover blackberry sage lemonade, pour it into a clean pitcher. Seal it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to five days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again. For the best taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh blackberries and sage enhance flavor. Keep the lemonade in a cool spot. If you notice any strange smells or colors, it’s best to toss it out. Always check for freshness before you drink it. You can freeze blackberry sage lemonade for longer storage. Pour it into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing drink later. Just add the cubes to water or sparkling water when you’re ready to sip! Yes, you can make Blackberry Sage Lemonade a day ahead. Just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well overnight. This drink tastes even better after sitting. Serve it cold, and you’ll impress your guests. If you don’t have sage, use fresh mint or basil instead. Both herbs give a nice twist to the drink. Mint adds a refreshing taste, while basil has a sweet flavor. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite. This recipe is already non-alcoholic. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a tasty drink. If you want a fizzy version, add sparkling water instead of still water. The bubbles will make it even more fun to drink! You learned how to make a delicious blackberry sage lemonade. We covered the key ingredients, from fresh blackberries to sage leaves. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create the perfect mix. Tips and tricks will help you maximize flavor and presentation. Variations let you explore new tastes, while storage info ensures your drink stays fresh. Enjoy crafting this drink. It’s refreshing, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Dive in and impress your friends and family with your tasty creation!

Blackberry Sage Lemonade

A refreshing lemonade infused with blackberry and sage flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
  • 1 cup sugar (or to taste)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • to taste cubes Ice cubes
  • to taste slices Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, combine blackberries and 1/2 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, mashing the blackberries with a fork until they start to break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain the blackberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing it down to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the seeds and pulp. Set aside the blackberry syrup.
  • In the same saucepan, add another 1/2 cup of water and the sage leaves. Gently simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes to infuse the sage flavor into the water. Remove from heat and let steep for an additional 10 minutes, then strain out the sage leaves.
  • In a large pitcher, combine the blackberry syrup, sage-infused water, lemon juice, sugar, and remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more sugar or water.
  • Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the lemonade over ice cubes, garnished with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of sage.

Notes

Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Keyword blackberry, lemonade, refreshing, sage, summer drink