BLACK ELDERBERRY BASIL MOCKTAIL

Serving size: 1

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite mocktails, especially when I feel the need to boost my immune system (which is quite often lately). This drink is made with homemade elderberry syrup and serves a dual purpose as it can be saved and utilized as a wellness shot for the rest of the week.

MOCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

• 1 handful blueberries

• 1 tablespoon elderberry syrup* (recipe below)

• 1 tablespoon agave

• 1/2 cup ice

• 1 cup sparkling water

• a few blackberries

• a few basil leaves

Agave is not normally my sweetener of choice but it works well for this recipe.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup dried elderberries

• 2 cups water

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 1/2 cup raw honey

Dried elderberries can be sourced on amazon. I use these ones.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE ELDERBERRY SYRUP

To prepare the elderberry syrup, combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the mixture has reduced by half.

Pour the contents of the saucepan through a strainer over a bowl to strain out all the solids. (You can discard what remains in the strainer.) Allow the elderberry juice to cool completely before stirring in the honey. Waiting to complete this step is important as incorporating the honey into the hot liquid will cause the heat to damage the health properties of the raw honey.

Once the elderberry juice and honey are combined, you can store the syrup in a mason jar and use throughout the week as an immune boosting wellness shot.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE MOCKTAIL

Muddle a handful of fresh blueberries into the bottom of your selected mocktail glass. Pour in 1 tablespoon of the elderberry syrup, followed by 1 tablespoon of agave and muddle these into the blueberries.

Add the ice over top the blueberry mixture and scatter the blackberries and fresh basil leaves throughout the glass. Pour in the sparkling water and top with more basil leaves and garnish of choice.

The drink is assembled and layered this way for the appealing ombré effect, but once ready to serve and consume you should give the glass a stir to fully combine all the ingredients.

I love this drink because you're getting a healthy dose of immune boosting elderberries but it also tastes so good and refreshing. Bonus — you're also left with a whole jar of fresh, homemade elderberry syrup to enjoy throughout the week.