Blackberry Sage Tangent

Apple cider vinegar gives blackberry a rounded sourness, honey softens the edges, and sage adds a woodsy aroma. Ginger contributes a little warmth after the tart first sip. This is a freshly mixed switchel-style drink, with no fermentation involved. Press the berries and strain if you don't enjoy seeds, then remove the sage once its flavor is noticeable. The result is a lightly sweet, tangy cooler with a savory hint, useful when ordinary berry soda feels too straightforward.

Ingredients

• 6 oz Cold water
• 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 tsp Honey
• 1/4 cup Blackberries
• 1 leaf Sage leaf
• 2 slice Fresh ginger, thinly sliced

Make it

1. Mash any soft fruit and lightly bruise herbs or ginger in a glass. Stir the honey and vinegar together until evenly mixed.
2. Add the water and remaining ingredients. Infuse for 5 minutes, then strain if preferred, removing solid herb or ginger pieces.
3. Serve chilled. This is a freshly mixed drink, not a fermented preparation.

Benefits

Vinegar and blackberry · refreshing fluids

The water does a simple, useful job in this vinegar, blackberry, and sage combination: it contributes to hydration while stretching a familiar orchard flavor into a full drink.

Let ginger bring the interest

The vinegar, blackberry, and sage carries a peppery warmth from ginger; use the listed amounts to enjoy the balance between those flavors, then adjust to your taste.