Blackberry Mockjito

Since so many people are doing dry January and February I decided to take a break from an alcoholic seasonal sipper recipe and try something fruity, refreshing and non-alcoholic. I chose to make Blackberry Simple Syrup to really accenuate the blackberry flavors but you could certainly muddle a small handful of berries to keep it simple.

Ingredients:

2 oz coconut water

1/2-1 oz blackberry simple syrup (or a small handful of blackberries)

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

Top off with Blackberry or plain seltzer

Mint to muddle and for garnish

Muddle 2-3 mint leaves with the coconut water (and berries if you are choosing the simpler recipe). Add the blackberry simple syrup and lemon juice. Shake until cold. Strain into a rocks glass and top with seltzer. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a blackberry.

Blackberry Vanilla Simple Syrup

What you will need:

1 cup fresh blackberries

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup sugar

4-5 mint leaves

Combine the blackberries, water, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the mint leaves and let sit for 10 min. Cool and use for the Blackberry Mockjito or another creative cocktail!