This blackberry sage vodka tonic is a gorgeous refreshing cocktail that's crisp, slightly herbaceous and incredibly well balanced for a warm summer evening.

why you'll love this cocktail

This drink tastes just like good refreshing old fashioned vodka soda but amped up thanks to fragrant flavors plus subtle hints of herbal sweetness coming through the syrup. You can also change up their taste just by picking a different flavored or infused vodka. It's a pretty drink, but it doesn't have strong fruity or floral notes, so it's really enjoyed by everyone you're hosting.

ingredients you need:

1 oz Vodka or gin
1 oz Tonic water
1 large ice cube or crushed ice
1 fresh Lime, squeezed
½ cup Fresh sage, plus more for garnish if desired
10 Blackberries
Sage simple syrup
- ½ cup fresh sage
- ¼ cup Honey
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water

helpful tools:

Cocktail shaker - for shaking your simple syrup into your lime juice and gin
Cocktail jigger - for measuring in oz

Both of these are optional, you can absolutely just pour your ingredients into a glass and stir if you don't have these on hand.

how to make sage simple syrup:

This 1:1 ratio is so simple, all it requires is 1 cup of water to 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of fresh sage. I also add ¼ cup of honey for it's beautiful ability to balance the herbal flavor in this syrup.

In a small saucepan over medium/high heat, heat the water, honey, sugar, and sage until it comes to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes. Then, remove from heat and let the liquid cool. Lastly, strain into a jar (with an airtight lid)

how to make it:

Make your sage simple syrup and let it thicken and cool
Muddle your blackberries
Add an ice cube or crushed ice cubes into your glass over the blackberries
Add your vodka, sage simple syrup, and fresh squeezed lime juice into your cocktail shaker. Shake well. Pour into your glass with muddled blackberries and ice, leaving about ½ inch for tonic. Top with tonic, add a garnish of choice and enjoy! Try some candied sage for a beautiful garnish.