There is an undeniable regal allure to the deep, reddish-purple hue of blackcurrant juice. The berries are small in size, yet mighty in flavor, color and staining power: one to be handled with care! Their rich juicy tart flavor is showcased beautifully in this Blackcurrant, Apple and Mint Tonic. It’s a refreshing summertime treat to celebrate the bounty of blackcurrant picking season.

Blackcurrant and apple are a traditional flavor pairing, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and sour in the mocktail. The mint adds a menthol lift to the fruit in both taste and aroma. The slightly bitter quinine of the tonic water gives the drink a more sophisticated, well-rounded, and less fruit-forward profile.

For those who aren’t a fan of tonic water, simply substitute it for an equal measure of sparkling water or lemon soda.

Tidal Currant: Blackcurrant, Apple and Mint Tonic

Blackcurrant, Apple, and Mint Tonic is refreshing summer mocktail that combines the rich tartness of blackcurrants with the sweetness of apples and a cooling hint of mint.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Course Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

Immersion hand blender

Fine-mesh sieve
Jigger or measuring spoons
Citrus juicer

Muddler
Shaker
Cocktail spoon

Highball glass
Cocktail skewer

Ingredients

1 oz blackcurrants (washed)

1.5 oz apple juice
4 mint leaves
5 oz tonic water

To garnish

Sprig of fresh mint
4-5 blackcurrants

Instructions

Use an immersion hand blender to blend the blackcurrants and apple juice until smooth.
Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Reserve the juice.
In the cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves.

Add the blackcurrant and apple juice to the shaker.
Throw in some ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is extremely cold.
Strain the mixture into a highball glass.

Fill the glass with ice, and top with tonic water.
Use a cocktail spoon to gently mix the ingredients together.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and some blackcurrants on a cocktail skewer.

Keyword Apple, Blackcurrant, Mint, Tonic

Similar Mocktails

If you liked Tidal Currant, check out:

Berry-licious: Mixed Berry Cooler

Blackcurrant, Apple and Mint Tonic FAQ

Can I use frozen blackcurrants for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen blackcurrants for this recipe. If you use the frozen variety, just make sure to thaw them before blending.

What type of mint should I use?
You can use any variety of fresh mint that you like, such as spearmint or peppermint.

Can I skip the fine-mesh sieve step?
While it’s not mandatory, using a fine-mesh sieve helps remove any skins, stems and seeds from the blackcurrants resulting in a smoother texture of the juice. If you don’t mind a more rustic finish to your mocktail, you can skip this step.

What kind of glass should I use for serving?
The recipe recommends using a highball glass, which is a tall glass typically used to serve mixed drinks. However, you can use any glassware you like if you’d prefer another presentation.

Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion hand blender?
Yes, you can use a regular blender for this recipe. I find that immersion hand blenders are easier to assemble, control, and clean for small quantities of ingredients which is why it is recommended for this recipe.

Is it necessary to shake the mixture with ice in a cocktail shaker?
Shaking the mixture with ice in a cocktail shaker helps chill the drink and ensures that the flavors are well combined. If you don’t have a shaker, you can stir the ingredients together in a large container with ice.

Can I use soda water instead of tonic water?
While tonic water is recommended for its unique quinine flavor and slight bitterness, you could use soda water or lemon soda instead as an alternative. Without the tonic water, the mocktail will taste slightly lighter and a little more subtle in flavor.

Can I prepare the blackcurrant, apple, and mint mixture in advance?
You can prepare the blackcurrant and apple juice in advance and keep the mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours until you are ready to mix and serve the mocktails.

Can I add sweetener to the drink if I prefer it sweeter?
Absolutely! If you find the drink too tart or want it sweeter, you can add a sweetener of your choice, such as simple syrup, agave nectar or honey while shaking the ingredients together. Simply adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Did you make this? Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!