Sage Berry Squeeze Recipe
(212 cal) Lemonade Blackberry Sage Gluten Free
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Ingredients
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Sage Berry Squeeze - Beverage Base
Sage Infusion & Garnish
Optional Fizz (Zero Proof Sparkle)
Method
Prepare the Sage Berry Puree
- 1
Cook and mash
Place 3 cups fresh blackberries, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons pure cane syrup (or honey) in a medium saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of water to prevent sticking. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to break down and release juice, about 6–8 minutes.
- 2
Smash and strain
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, gently mash the berries in the pan to release more juice. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes. Pour the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. You should have roughly 1 to 1 1/4 cups of strained puree/juice.
Make the Sage-Infused Lemonade
- 3
Bruise sage for infusion
Take 8 of the fresh sage leaves and gently bruise them between your palms or press with the back of a spoon to release aromatics.
- 4
Combine and steep
In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup fresh lemon juice, the strained blackberry puree, 3 cups cold water, and the bruised sage leaves. Stir to combine. Taste and add additional sweetener (up to 1 tablespoon more simple syrup or honey) if you prefer it sweeter. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the sage flavor to infuse; up to 2 hours for a stronger herbal note.
- 5
Finish and chill
After steeping, remove and discard the bruised sage leaves. If you want a clearer drink, strain the lemonade through a fine sieve into a clean pitcher to remove any remaining particulates.
Assemble and Serve
- 6
Serve still
Fill four tall glasses with ice (about 1 1/2 cups ice per glass). Pour the sage berry lemonade evenly over the ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a small sage sprig. Serve immediately.
- 7
Serve sparkling (optional)
For a fizzy version, fill each glass halfway with the chilled sage berry lemonade, top with chilled sparkling water (about 1/2 cup per glass), stir gently, then add ice and garnish as above.
