Blackberry-Sage Sparkling Lemonade

I attended a going away party for a friend that was held at our local Melting Pot.

Whenever I go to a new restaurant I always like to try any specialty non-alcoholic drink that might

be on the menu. Imagine my excitement when I saw Blackberry Sage Lemonade as an option.

The verdict: for $6 it was a complete waste of money.

First of all there wasn't even a hint of sage flavor...major disappointment.

Secondly, I couldn't really taste a distinct blackberry flavor either.

Thirdly, the lemonade tasted like it was from a mix.

Ugh, Ugh, and Ugh.

Instead, take that $6 and go buy the ingredients to make your own using a recipe that I came up with.

It will take about 1/2 an hour, and a little tweaking to get it to your liking, but it will be worth it.

Blackberry-Sage Sparkling Lemonade

Combine together and steep for 5 minutes:

1 1/2 cups boiling water

8-10 large sage leaves, fresh and lightly crushed

After steeping, remove leaves and add ice to bring amount to 2 cups.

Allow to chill while preparing remaining ingredients.

___________

Mash together in a flat bottomed container, using a potato masher:

1 cup blackberries

1/3 cup sugar

2 sliced lemons

*I use a sauce pan for mashing. Mashing brings out the oils from the lemon and adds a really nice flavor.*

Next: add the chilled sage infused water, stirring to combine.

Pour mixture through a mesh strainer.

To serve:

Combine 3/4 cup Pellegrino (chilled) or club soda

3/4 cup strained fruit syrup

Ice

garnish with lemon slice and berries, if desired.

You may need to adjust amounts to reach your desired flavor.
The sage in this is strong, but that's what I like about it. My kids even enjoyed it and found it to be very refreshing. I also don't like my drinks overly sweet, so this combination is just how I like it.
I hope you do too.