Delicious any time of year, this mixed berry cooler can transform even the most under-ripe berries into a flavor sensation. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on berries in season, this method will simply take their ripe sweetness to that next level.
The trick is to cook down the fruit with a sprinkling of sugar to concentrate the flavors into a luscious rich juice before assembling the mocktail. This step can be done up to 2 days in advance, keeping the juice in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
If you don’t have access to fresh fruit, frozen berries can work as a great substitute too. No need to defrost, simply pop the frozen berries into the saucepan with sugar and water, and follow the recipe as usual.
So – grab a saucepan and a shaker, and enjoy the taste of summer (even in the depths of winter).
Ingredients
- 4 oz. (120 g) strawberries
- 1 oz. (30 g) raspberries
- 1 oz. (30 g) blueberries
- ½ oz. (15 g) sugar
- 1 oz. (30 ml) water
- ½ oz. (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (approx. ½ a lime)
- 8 mint leaves
- 3 oz. (90 ml) soda water or sparkling water
- Sprig of mint and small strawberry to garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Knife
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan and lid
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Small bowl
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail spoon
- Highball glass
Instructions
- Wash, hull and cut the strawberries into pieces.
- Add the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sugar and water to the saucepan on medium heat.
- Stir frequently until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Turn down the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes with the saucepan lid on.
- Pass the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, using the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible from the mixture. Discard the solids.
- Leave to cool to room temperature.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lime juice and mint leaves for 15 seconds before adding the berry juice.
- Throw in a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top with soda water.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a strawberry.
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Mixed Berry Cooler FAQ
Can I use different berries for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of berries for this recipe. Blackberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and cranberries could all add delicious character to the drink. Remember that some berries are naturally more sour than others (for example, cranberries) and should be paired with sweeter berries to balance the mocktail without the need for additional sugar.
Can I skip the step of straining the berry mixture?
For a more sophisticated drink, I would recommend straining the drink to remove the seeds and pulp of the berries from the final drink. However, if you prefer a more rustic presentation, you can skip this step.
Do I need to use fresh mint leaves?
Fresh mint leaves will impart the best flavor into the drink, but at a pinch, you can use dried mint instead. The strength of the dried mint can vary: I’d recommend using ½ teaspoon to start, then add more if needed.
Can I use a different type of glass instead of a highball glass?
Yes, you can serve this drink in whatever glass you prefer. A Collins glass, double rocks glass, or mason jar could work as good alternatives to a highball glass.
Can I use a different type of garnish instead of mint and a strawberry?
I like to garnish the drink to echo its ingredients and amplify its aroma – especially with the mint. However, you can garnish the drink how you like – with a slice of lime or another type of berry.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh berries?
Yes, this recipe works really well with frozen berries. There is no need to thaw them before adding them to the saucepan. They will defrost over the heat by themselves.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the berry juice up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge until you are ready to make the drink. You will want to muddle the mint and add the soda water when you are ready to serve to ensure that the flavors stay fresh and the drink remains fizzy.
Can I adjust the amount of berries used in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the ratio of berries in this recipe. I’d recommend sticking to 6 oz. (180 g) in total, but you can play around with the types of berries that make up that amount.
Did you make this? Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!