Iced Blackberry, Cucumber and Star Anise Lime Soda
An original, refreshing sparkling drink that combines a homemade blackberry and star anise syrup with fresh cucumber, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. It has a fruity, herbal, and lightly spiced profile, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 200 g fresh or frozen blackberries (for the jarabe)
- 120 g cucumber (pelado and sliced finas, more extra for decorar)
- 80 g sugar (for the jarabe)
- 180 ml water (for the jarabe)
- 2 unit star anise (whole)
- 80 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 720 ml cold sparkling mineral water (well cold)
- 400 g ice (for servir)
- 8 g fresh mint leaves (more extra for decorar)
- 1 g fine salt (a pinch for equilibrar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, water, star anise, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you need a heat reference, keep the mixture below a hard boil, around 195 to 205 °F (90 to 96 °C).
- 2
2. Remove from the heat and let the syrup steep for 5 minutes so the star anise can fully infuse. Then strain, pressing on the blackberries to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and cool the syrup until cold to the touch. For faster chilling, place it in the refrigerator at 39 to 41 °F (4 to 5 °C) for a few minutes.
- 3
3. Place the cucumber in a pitcher and gently muddle it with the mint leaves to release their aroma without turning them into a puree.
- 4
4. Add the lime juice and the cooled blackberry syrup to the pitcher. Stir well.
- 5
5. Add the ice to the pitcher or divide it among 4 glasses. Pour in the cold sparkling mineral water and stir gently so it keeps most of its fizz.
- 6
6. Serve immediately in tall glasses. Garnish with extra cucumber slices, additional mint leaves, and, if desired, one blackberry in each glass.
Chef tips
For a cleaner texture, you can also strain the final mixture before adding the sparkling water. If you prefer a stronger flavor, let the cucumber and mint sit for 5 minutes before adding the syrup.
Substitutions
You can use blackberries’ close relative, mulberries or other dark berries, in place of blackberries, and lemon instead of lime for a softer acidity. The sparkling water can be replaced with plain club soda.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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