Backyard Blackberry Soda
- Course: Beverage
- Features: Make-Ahead Recipes
Summary:
The fruit-syrup base for this nonalcoholic soda also works well when added to cocktails or a champagne spritzer. The recipe is quite versatile and can be made with a variety of fruits, spices and flavor combinations.
Citric acid is available at kitchen stores, at MOM's markets and at Yes! Organic Market in Cleveland Park.
MAKE AHEAD: The acidulated berries need to sit for at least 8 hours and up to overnight. The base can be refrigerated in an airtight container for several weeks.
Makes 5 cups of syrup (enough for 20 to 40 servings)
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts water
- 1 pound fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon citric acid (see headnote)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar, or as needed, based on the ripeness of the berries or to taste
- Seltzer water or club soda
Directions:
Boil 2 quarts of water.
Place the berries in a large nonreactive (plastic or glass) container; sprinkle the citric acid over them. Pour the boiling water over the berries, then gently stir and crush them to release their juices. Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
Place a large nonreactive saucepan under a fine-mesh strainer; strain the berries, gently pressing on them to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Stir the sugar (to taste) into the strained liquid. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Cook for about 1 1/2 hours or until the mixture has reduced by half and has the consistency of a thin syrup. Taste for sweetness, and adjust accordingly.
Strain through a fine-mesh strainer; cool and transfer to an airtight container to chill before using.
To serve, place 2 to 4 tablespoons of syrup in a large glass filled halfway with ice. Top with seltzer water or club soda; stir as needed.
Recipe Source:
From Melissa Horst, beverage manager at the Virtue Feed & Grain in Alexandria.
E-mail the Food Section with recipe questions.
(Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post; glassware from Crate and Barrel)
