Sparkling Blackberry Basil Cocktail (Simple)

It is Summer time and that means tasty summer cocktails, am I right? I am a fan of refreshing summer beverages and I have no issue experimenting. This year I decided to plant a few container gardens and I have an over abundance of basil. Pesto comes to mind obviously but I also like it as a garnish. Thought this Sparkling Blackberry Basil Cocktail was the perfect way to showcase my gardening skills.

Summer Cocktails and Poolside Drinks

By now you know I am a pool baby, aka pool family. We spend all our available time in the yard and enjoying the sights and sounds of summer. We also really try hard to make the experience a tropical vacation for anyone stopping by. That’s your invite hint, hint.

Now that the restrictions have lifted in Ontarion we are getting pool party ready. That should mean entertaining our guests with food and drinks and dazzling conversation. OK at least fun drinks warrants the visit. This house is no stranger to fun cocktails, seeking inspiration whereever we can. Today some sparkling to celebrate no more lockdown, blackberries for the season and of course my basil.

What you need for a Sparkling Blackberry Basil Drink?

The ingredients are simple but this requires a bit of prep. AKA we will be making a simple syrup, how yummy is that.

• 8-10 large fresh or frozen blackberries
• 3 T. fresh basil torn
• ¼ c. honey preferably local
• ¼ c. water
• 4 oz. Elderflower liqueur optional
• 1 750 ml bottle Prosecco chilled
• Fresh blackberries
• Sprigs of fresh basil

So How do I make this ?

Have you ever made a simple syrup before? That is the first step, the rest is just pour, sip and enjoy. You will need a pot and a sieve/strainer for the symple syrup. I actually make a few different simple syrups and save them in mason jars. That way we can offer a variety of selected cocktails to our guests, or enjoy ourselves lol. True confession when I say I make, I actually mean Kent, but i do watch and help sometimes. But today we are discussing Sparkling Blackberry Basil Cocktail, so let’s get started.

1. Add the blackberries, basil, honey, and water to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through and starts to thicken, approximately 4-5 minutes. Gently press on blackberries while heating to release juices.

2. Remove from heat and strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. Reserve remaining liquid and set aside to cool.

3. If using, divide the Elderflower liqueur among four champagne flutes, along with a drizzle of the blackberry simple syrup. Finish by topping off each glass with some chilled Prosecco.

4. Garnish each glass with 2-3 fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh basil, if desired, before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Simple Syrup

Many ask can I make the simple syrup in advance and how long does it last. Yes you can make it in advance and it will last 3-4 weeks sealed in the fridge. Flavoured syrups they day 1-2 weeks tops. True confession we don’t always store it in the fridge and it still seems to last but be careful.

How do you know if it has gone bad? Well if it gets a cloudy appearance it is not at its peak but bad syrup is not harmful, it will not make you sick.

Looking for more Summer Cocktails?

You may want to try:

• Blue Hawaiian
• Raspberry Merengue
• Cruzan Schooner
• Sparkling Peach Sangria

Sparkling Blackberry Basil Cocktail

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, canadian

Keyword: Sparkling blackberry cocktail, Sparkling Cocktail

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Author: Linda

Ingredients

• 8-10 large fresh or frozen blackberries
• 3 T. fresh basil torn
• ¼ c. honey preferably local
• ¼ c. water
• 4 oz. Elderflower liqueur optional
• 1 750 ml bottle Prosecco chilled
• Garnish: optional
• Fresh blackberries
• Sprigs of fresh basil

Instructions

• Add the blackberries, basil, honey, and water to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is heated through and starts to thicken, approximately 4-5 minutes. Gently press on blackberries while heating to release juices.
• Remove from heat and strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids. Reserve remaining liquid and set aside to cool.
• If using, divide the Elderflower liqueur among four champagne flutes, along with a drizzle of the blackberry simple syrup. Finish by topping off each glass with some chilled Prosecco.
• Garnish each glass with 2-3 fresh blackberries and a sprig of fresh basil, if desired, before serving. Enjoy!

Have you tried this recipe? I would love to see the resultsMention @alabouroflife or tag #alabouroffood!