Blackberry Basil Mocktail

This beautifully bold Blackberry Basil Mocktail is perfect for warm-weather sipping! It’s packed with flavor thanks to a homemade simple syrup made with some of summer’s finest ingredients.

About this Blackberry Basil Mocktail recipe

Fresh fruit is a quintessential summertime indulgence. Whether I pick it myself or pick it up at the farmer’s market, I cannot get enough!

I’ve been known to overestimate the amount of berries I can enjoy at one time, which has led to some creative solutions to prevent any from going to waste. A berry smoothie is an easy — and tasty — way to use up your excess, but so is simple syrup!

Plus, once you have a sweet simple syrup created, you can mix up some seriously tasty drinks like this Blackberry Basil Mocktail. Blackberries and basil create a perfect balance of sweet and savory that hit all the right notes.

It’s so refreshing, making it a perfect way to beat the heat. Plus, with its vibrant color and elegant appearance, it would be a perfect non-alcoholic addition to summer parties like bachelorette parties, baby showers, wedding showers… you get the picture!

More mocktail recipes: Strawberry Mocktail • Cherry Mocktail • Citrus Ginger Beer Mocktail

Tools & glassware

This mocktail is easy and breezy, just like summertime! You only need a handful of things to make your own.

For the simple syrup, you’ll want a saucepan and spoon, as well as a fine mesh strainer ^*. Without a strainer, you’ll end up with solids in your syrup and the final drink. This is fine for a drink that’s muddled, but this one should be smooth sipping. Don’t forget to grab an airtight jar to store any extra syrup.

For the drink, grab the cocktail shaker ^* from your bar. Even though this drink doesn’t contain alcohol, you’ll shake it up just like you would a classic cocktail!

I love to use fancy glasses like these art deco lowball glasses ^*, but you can use any glass you have on-hand. A rocks glass ^* or would be the right size for this colorful drink — you could even use a coupe glass ^* for an extra elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Before you start, grab these ingredients for your blackberry basil mocktails. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Zero-proof spirit of your choice: There are some great options out there that mimic the flavor of various different spirits. I’ll share my favorites down below!
• Blackberry basil simple syrup: Blackberry basil syrup is the happy marriage of two of my other simple syrups, blackberry simple syrup and basil simple syrup. The combination of berries and herbs is one that tastes just like summertime! To make it, you’ll need:
  • blackberries, fresh or frozen
  • fresh basil leaves
  • water
  • sugar
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Trust me, it needs to be fresh-squeezed. Normally store-bought is ok in a pinch, but since it’s extra tart it can be overpowering in this drink.

Garnishes

Beyond flair, garnishes can also bring aroma and flavor to a drink. I like to think about the ingredients in the drink and lean into its flavors and those that are complimentary for my garnishes.

I kept it simple for this drink, as the color is stunning all on its own. Fresh basil leaves and a few fresh blackberries on one of these bee cocktail picks ^*.

For a little extra pizzaz, you could follow this process to sugar blackberries using your blackberry basil simple syrup. Dehydrated lemon slices would be a nice topper, too!

Best zero-proof spirits for mocktails

Mocktails have come a long way from the Shirley Temple of your childhood (although those are still awfully tasty). This is thanks, in part, to zero-proof spirits, also known as alcohol alternatives.

Zero proof alcohol contains no alcohol at all; it is simply a liquid that has been flavored to taste like alcohol without actually containing any. So why add it to your drinks? Well, it adds a depth of flavor — and other notes — that make your drink more complex and interesting. TLDR: they make your drinks taste good!

There are plenty of options available when it comes to these spirits. You can even make your own homemade zero-proof spirits! The best choice when it comes to mixing up mocktails is a bit subjective. I have my favorite nonalcoholic spirits, but really it comes down to which tastes best to you (or what you already have on-hand).

In this Blackberry Basil Mocktail, I used Seedlip Grove 42 ^*, which is clear and similar to gin. I think that a gin alternative, whiskey alternative or tequila would all be tasty though — you should experiment to see which is your favorite.

zero-proof gin alternatives

Ritual gin alternative

Buy Now →

Seedlip Garden 108

Buy Now →

Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits

Buy Now →

^*

Substitutions & variations

Swap fruits: Blackberry and basil are a match made in summertime heaven, but you could experiment with other flavors of simple syrup too! Cherry, coconut or peach would be good places to start.

Switch the herbs: Additionally, you could switch up the herb for a different flavor combination. Mint is commonplace in cocktails and mocktails like the blackberry mojito and would give this drink a transformation. If you do use mint, add it for a few minutes when you stir in the sugar so it doesn’t overpower the berry flavor.

Make it sugar free: Sugar-free simple syrup is simple enough to make by substituting your favorite sugar substitute such as Stevia or coconut sugar.

No lemons? I prefer fresh-squeezed juice rather than store bought, so if you have limes lying around instead, you could use lime juice instead.

Make it a cocktail: Finally, although this is a mocktail, you could transform it into a cocktail by adding booze. Gin, tequila or whiskey would compliment the flavors in the drink and give you a refreshing, boozy sipper.

Instructions

Before you jump into making a Blackberry Basil Mocktail, you’ll want to craft a batch of blackberry basil syrup.

Grab your saucepan and combine the blackberries, basil and water over medium-high heat. Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes.

Use your fine mesh strainer ^* to remove the blackberries, basil and any pulp. Return the hot liquid to the pan and stir in the sugar until it has completely dissolved. Remove your syrup from heat and let it cool completely before mixing it into your drink.

To craft the mocktail, fill your cocktail shaker ^* with ice. Measure and pour in your blackberry basil syrup and lemon juice.

Add your preferred zero-proof spirit and cover your shaker. Shake well to combine and cool your ingredients, then strain into your glass over ice. Add a garnish and you’re ready to enjoy!

How to use Blackberry Basil Syrup

This Blackberry Basil Syrup is so tasty, it will be gone before you know it! In addition to cocktails and mocktails, it’s a great add-in for cold brew ice tea and homemade lemonade.

Drizzle it over the top of ice cream for a decadent dessert, or even over a slice of blackberry cobbler. You can even enjoy it at breakfast by skipping the syrup and using it to sweeten your favorite pancakes or waffles. Yum!

Food pairings

If this is your signature drink for a summer gathering, you’ll want to serve it alongside crowd-pleasing appetizers. I find you can never go wrong with a crostini or Caprese skewer when the weather is warm.

A pasta salad would make the perfect summer meal for a quiet night in. This drink would even hold its own alongside something more hearty, like buffalo chicken sliders.

FAQ

More refreshing recipes

• Strawberry Lemonade
• Peach Iced Tea
• Berry Infused Water