Blackberry Vanilla Mint Mocktail

Hello friends! Allison graciously took a break from her insane work schedule (so many thanks to her and all the other healthcare workers pulling double duties right now) to bring us another recipe! This one is fresh and light, perfect for those long summer nights. The last holiday drink she made for us was incredible, so definitely give this one a shot! Leave any questions about the recipe in the comments! xo - Candace

The warm weather has finally arrived. Too bad we don’t really have anywhere to go! This pandemic has caused many of us to slow down and stay put, or at least travel to very isolated places. (Well, at least the smart & logical ones are doing that...) However, more than ever, being at home has reignited my love affair with food again, whether I’m paying more attention to the nutritious meals I’m putting into my body or perfecting my Funfetti baked donut recipe. Balance, right?

If there is one area in the culinary world that I’m woefully trepidatious at - and am deciding to take a good crack at - it’s creating a good drink. A mocktail is a little less intimidating than making a cocktail; the balance of alcohol and its complementary ingredients which make a great cocktail alludes me, and I don’t want to be passed out on the floor by underestimating how much liquor I may have put in. A mocktail is a little more forgiving, and it won’t leave me tipsy. Plus, in a world where people choose not to imbibe for their own personal reasons, it’s always good to have a trust mocktail recipe in your back pocket.

Blackberry Season is just around the corner - YAY! - so I could not resist the call to develop my own concoction with them. Vanilla and mint complement each other well, and each of those complement blackberries well! Talk about the perfect trifecta! A little ice plus some sparkling water make this extra nice.

Let’s see a pic of your mocktail! Be sure to tag #YBCEats on social media to share those summer vibes with us!

Blackberry Vanilla Mint Mocktail

Blackberry Vanilla Mint Mocktail

(Makes one 8oz. serving)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup blackberries, rinsed

• 6 (or so) mint leaves, rinsed

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly-squeezed

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon honey

• 6 ounces sparkling water

• Ice

Notes:

• If you are avoiding alcohol, non-alcoholic vanilla flavoring can be substituted for vanilla extract.

• Avoid substituting mint extract for the mint leaves. The muddled mint leaves provide a subtle flavor, while the extract will make this drink more like a candy cane!

• Making this for a group? Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe as you see fit!

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, muddle together the blackberries, mint leaves, lemon juice, vanilla, and honey. Add a splash of water if the mixture is a little thick. Transfer mixture to a fine sieve or a cheesecloth; over another bowl, press or squeeze mixture until the liquid comes out and there are no large chunks of fruit or seeds. Discard or compost muddled ingredients.

2. Transfer blackberry mixture to glass. Add ice. Top with sparkling water. Enjoy!