During the past few years (and three kids later!), I have been experimenting more and more with mocktails. I love the way a mocktail can make happy hour or aperitif hour still feel special without the alcohol. Perfect during pregnancy, dry January, or really any time you want to leave out the alcohol. This one uses blackberries although you could easily sub in a different kind of fruit to change it up. Cheers!
BLACKBERRY SHRUB MOCKTAIL
(*makes a pitcher that serves 4-6, but see note below)
1 c fresh blackberries
6 sprigs fresh mint
1 liter seltzer
several drops bitter
1/3 c blackberry-flavored shrub (a non-alcoholic “drinking vinegar” often mixed into drinks. Here’s a suggested brand.)
ice
Finely chop leaves from 2 mint sprigs and combine in a small bowl with 1/2 c blackberries. Mash the berries and mint together until a jam forms.
Add 1/2 c water to the jam bowl and stir. Pour the mixture over a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing the remaining pulp with a spoon to remove as much moisture as possible. Add the the bitters and shrub to the pitcher and lastly the seltzer.
Stir with ice and serve in glasses garnished with the remaining mint leaves and berries. Use agave to sweeten, if desired.
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*Since we aren’t really gathering these days, you can make this ahead for yourself (minus the seltzer) and keep it in the fridge for a couple days. Add a couple spoonfuls of the jam/shrub/bitters mixture to your glass then top off with seltzer, ice and garnish just before enjoying.