Rosemary-Infused Blackberry Smash Mocktail Recipe

I love a fancy drink. For me, there’s no occasion that isn’t made better by a fancy drink. Brunch. Dinner parties. Friday movie night. A Tuesday afternoon on the patio. Literally any and every holiday. All perfect excuses to mix up a fun drink. And even though I rarely drink alcohol anymore, that doesn’t stop me from loving a fun cocktail-like experience. So for Halloween, I decided to make this herbal Rosemary-infused Blackberry Smash Mocktail. 

The information in this post is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is always best to work with a qualified healthcare professional before incorporating herbs into your diet.

This herbal blackberry smash mocktail recipe started with the rosemary simple syrup. Herb-infused simple syrups are one of my favorite things to make because they are so easy and they add an incredible layer of flavor when mixing up drinks. They’re incredibly versatile and a fun way to incorporate more herbal goodness into cooking. 

How To Make Herb-Infused Simple Syrup

If you’ve never made a simple syrup before, it couldn’t be easier. The basic recipe is just one part sugar and one part water, heated until the sugar dissolves. 

Making an herb-infused simple syrup is barely any more work. You basically start by making a very strong tea. Bring water and your herb of choice to a simmer in a covered pot. Then (depending on the type of herb) either remove from heat and let the water steep for at least 30 minutes or reduce heat and let the herb simmer for 10 minutes before removing from the heat and steeping for at least 30 minutes. 

Delicate herbs like chamomile, lavender, or basil, do better with just the long steeping time. But hardier herbs like rosemary or cinnamon do well with a bit of time simmering to really extract as much goodness and flavor out of them as possible. 

Once the herbs are done steeping, strain them out and return the infused water (tea) back to the saucepan. Add an equal amount of sugar and heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let it cool before using. 

Once cooled, the simple syrup will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. That’s why I like to make smaller batches so I don’t accidentally forget about a simple syrup I’ve made and end up wasting it. (I hate to admit how many times this has happened to me.) 

Ways To Use Herb-Infused Simple Syrup

Mocktails and cocktails are an obvious way to use herb-infused simple syrups. They’re such a simple way to really elevate a mixed drink and get a little more creative than just mixer+booze. (Not that there’s anything wrong with simplicity, of course.)

They’re also great for iced coffee and iced tea. I made a cinnamon simple syrup recently that blew my usual cold brew coffee out of the water. Highly recommend keeping a batch on hand during the summer just for this reason. 

You can also drizzle simple syrups on baked goods anywhere you’d normally add a glaze. 

You can drizzle them on anything really. Ice cream. Fresh fruit salad. Popcorn. Pancakes, waffles, or toast. 

The sky’s the limit, honestly. Just follow your heart. 

Rosemary Benefits & Energetics

Rosemary is often referred to as the “herb of remembrance”. It has been shown to enhance memory and improve concentration. 

It is very high in antioxidants and helps to stimulate and improve circulation. As such, it is often helpful in pain relief and commonly used for headaches. 

It stimulates digestion, helping to relieve symptoms of cold or stagnant digestion such as gas, nausea, cramping, and bloating. It also supports liver function and stimulates circulation to the digestive tract. 

Energetically, rosemary is stimulating and uplifting. As an herb of remembrance, it can help you remember loved ones who have passed on. It’s also often used in protection spells and for energy cleansing. All of which makes it a perfect fit for the Samhain season. 

Rosemary-Infused Blackberry Smash Mocktail Recipe

Rosemary-Infused Blackberry Smash Mocktail

Every holiday deserves a fancy drink. And this blackberry smash mocktail with rosemary-infused simple syrup is the perfect way to invoke the spirit of Samhain and Halloween.

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Course Drinks

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

For Rosemary Simple Syrup

• ½ cup water
• 3 tablespoons dried rosemary
• ½ cup sugar

For Mocktail

• 4-5 fresh or frozen blackberries
• Juice from ½ a lemon about 1 tablespoon
• 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup
• Sparkling water or tonic water
• Lemon slices and fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions

 

To Make The Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup

• In a small saucepan with lid, combine the water and the rosemary. Cover with lid and heat slowly over medium heat until simmering. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Then remove from the heat and allow to steep for another 30 minutes.
• Place a small fine mesh strainer over a heat-proof bowl or measuring cup and strain the rosemary-infused liquid. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the rosemary leaves as possible so you don’t leave behind any of the herbal goodness.
• Return the infused water to the saucepan and add the sugar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
• Remove from heat and let cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

To Make The Mocktail

• Place blackberries, lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup in the bottom of a glass. Smash everything well with a muddler or the back of a spoon.
• Fill glass with crushed ice, then top with sparkling water or tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary.

Interested in more herbal drinks? Check these out: 

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