Blackberry Lemonade Mocktail
When the weather heats up and the sun starts hanging around a little longer, I want a drink that feels like summer in a glass—and this Blackberry Lemonade Mocktail is it. Sweet-tart, effervescent, and just a little fancy, this one is bright enough to wake up your taste buds but easy enough to throw together whenever the mood strikes. Think of it as your go-to warm weather sipper, perfect for porch sitting, pool lounging, or just treating yourself in the middle of a Tuesday.
Blackberry Lemonade Mocktail
Fun, refreshing, and endlessly customizable
Ingredients
- 3 fl oz blackberry lemonade
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1/4 t vanilla bean paste
- small pinch of salt
- sparkling water for topping
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except for the sparking water to your shaker
- Shake with ice until the tin is cold in your hands
- Strain into a pretty glass, then top with sparkling water
- Garnish with a blackberry and mint
The nutrition information is based on estimates and is not definitive.
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I’m a sucker for a pretty drink, especially when it’s refreshing, just the right amount of sweet, and doesn’t require a cocktail shaker the size of my forearm. This Blackberry Lemonade Mocktail checks every box. It’s easy to make, wildly customizable, and—most importantly—delicious.
This recipe starts with a seasonal blackberry lemonade. I usually find mine at the farmer’s market or in the fridge section at the grocery store when berries are at their peak. But don’t worry—if you can’t find blackberry lemonade specifically, any high-quality lemonade works beautifully. You can always muddle a few blackberries into your shaker for the same vibe.
From there, we brighten it up even more with a splash of fresh lemon juice. It gives the drink a sharper citrusy edge that balances the sweetness of the lemonade and syrup. Speaking of which, yes, there’s simple syrup involved—just enough to round things out without making it cloying. I like to keep a jar in my fridge at all times for moments like this.
But the magic comes from the vanilla bean paste. It’s not traditional, but it adds this cozy, almost creamy layer of flavor that plays so well with the berries and citrus. It makes the whole drink taste a little more grown-up and indulgent. Just a splash does the trick.
And don’t skip the salt. I know—a pinch of salt in a drink might sound weird if you’re not used to it. But trust me. It doesn’t make the drink salty; it just makes everything else pop. The lemon tastes more lemony. The berries come alive. It’s a tiny addition with a big payoff.
Once everything is in the shaker, give it a good shake with ice to get it super cold. Then strain it into your favorite pretty glass—bonus points for a big ice cube or a few frozen blackberries as garnish—and top it off with sparkling water. I usually go with plain, but a lemon or berry-flavored sparkling water can be a fun twist too.
What you end up with is this bubbly, refreshing drink that tastes like sunshine. It’s the kind of thing you can serve at a backyard hang, brunch with friends, or just keep in your back pocket for when you want something fun that doesn’t require turning on the stove or opening a bottle of wine.
And the best part? This recipe is endlessly flexible. You can:
Swap the lemonade for limeade or orange juice
Use raspberry or blueberry syrup instead of simple syrup
Add herbs like basil or mint to the shaker
Toss in a splash of coconut water or white grape juice for extra body
It’s a drink that lets you play, and that’s part of the fun.
So if you’re looking for a mocktail that feels like a treat without being fussy, this Blackberry Lemonade Mocktail has you covered. I’ve been making it on repeat every time the temperature crosses 70°, and I have zero plans to stop.