Blackberry Sage Lemonade! Refreshing and flavorful, this delicious summer drink showcases the natural sweetness of blackberries, aromatic hints of sage, and tangy lemon juice.
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When I was pregnant with my son, I went through a homemade lemonade phase. I couldn't get enough of that sweet, tart flavor and enjoyed coming up with different combinations and variations to satisfy my craving.
This Blackberry Sage Lemonade was inspired by a visit to The Melting Pot where I tried their version and fell in love.
Sweet summer blackberries made a beautiful, fruity addition to fresh lemon juice and sage simple syrup. The sage adds a unique and complex hint of flavor that makes this simple recipe interesting and company-worthy.
Perfectly balanced and easy to make, this homemade lemonade is a delightful blend of summer flavors.
Looking for more refreshing sippers for the summer? Try my Vanilla Rosemary Lemonade, Sparkling Mint Limeade or Watermelon Lemonade.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free/vegan.
Ingredients
- Water
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Blackberries
- Sage leaves
Instructions
Make the simple syrup: Prepare the simple syrup by combining water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and let it simmer for approximately 1 minute until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Toss in a few sage leaves and allow them to steep in the syrup.
Remove from heat; discard the leaves, pressing lightly on them.
Allow the simple syrup to cool.
Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine lemon juice, blackberries, and the cooled simple syrup. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Strain: Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or glass container.
Depending on your desired level of dilution, add around 2-3 cups of water.
Lightly muddle a few sage leaves in a glass, if more sage flavor is desired.
Add ice to the glass and pour in the lemonade. Optionally, garnish with a few blackberries.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the blender.
The lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it's best to consume it within the first 1-2 days for the freshest flavor.
Absolutely! You can substitute sugar with alternative sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
Yes, you can prepare the simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for a few weeks. It's great for adding to lemonade, but also to coffee, tea or cocktails.
Variations & Substitutions
Try these variations!
- Blackberry Limeade. Replace the fresh lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Use different herbs such as mint or basil instead of sage to mix up the aromatics in this beverage.
- Make it sparkle! Make a concentrated version by not adding as much water, then top with sparkling water for a bubbly variation.
- Use other sweeteners like honey or agave in place of simple syrup.
- Spike it! To make a Blackberry Lemonade Cocktail, add a shot of your favorite spirit for an adult version.
Blackberry Sage Lemonade
Equipment
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 mesh strainer
- 1 pitcher
Ingredients
For Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 sage leaves divided
- ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice from about 3-4 lemons
- 6 ounces fresh blackberries
- 3 cups water
Instructions
Make Simple Syrup
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; allow to simmer for about 1 minute or until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Add 3 sage leaves to the hot syrup and allow to steep for about 10 minutes.
- Discard the sage leaves, pressing on them lightly to extract the essence. Allow the syrup to cool.
Make Lemonade
- Add lemon juice, blackberries and cooled simple syrup to a blender. Process until smooth.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or glass container. Add about 2-3 cups of water depending on how diluted you'd like your beverage.
- Place a few fresh sage leaves in each glass and muddle slightly if extra flavor is desired.
- Top with ice and fill with lemonade. Garnish with a few blackberries if desired.
Notes
- Blackberry Limeade. Replace the fresh lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Use different herbs such as mint or basil instead of sage to mix up the aromatics in this beverage.
- Make it sparkle! Make a concentrated version by not adding as much water, then top with sparkling water for a bubbly variation.
- Use other sweeteners like honey or agave in place of simple syrup.
- Spike it! Add a shot of your favorite spirit for an adult version.
Allie BakingAMoment says
Dianna these photos are so gorgeous! I love your props and those plump blackberries look so tempting! This drink sounds just phenomenal...great flavors!
thekitchenprep says
@Allie - Thanks, girl! I loved the flavor combo, too. I'm not usually a huge fan of the texture of blackberries {something about the seeds} but you're right -- these looked so tempting and beautiful that I had to nibble on a few! Thanks for the compliments!
[email protected] Well Floured Kitchen says
Oh my goodness- I know exactly how you feel! I am the most neurotic person on earth when it comes to raw meat. I went to that restaurant once (since we had a gift certificate), and it was not the most enjoyable experience. But the apps and dessert were amazing! This drink looks super refreshing, what a creative way to use sage.
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
I am in love with the idea of combining blackberry and sage in a lemonade!! It's been so freaking hot here lately; I'd seriously enjoy a glass (or three!) of this! 😀