This Blueberry and Mint Smash Mocktail is bursting with fresh flavor. It uses a simple muddling technique to combine sweet blueberries and aromatic mint with maple syrup, creating a vibrant base that is topped off with zesty lemon sparkling water.
It’s the perfect elegant, non-alcoholic drink that is ready in minutes and looks stunning layered with fresh mint and ice.
Why This Mocktail is a Must-Make
Intense Flavor: Muddling the blueberries and mint releases their essential oils and juices.
Natural Sweetener: Maple syrup provides a unique, woody sweetness. It pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the blueberries and mint.
Visually Stunning: Layering the fresh mint leaves in the ice creates a beautiful emerald contrast, making the drink perfect for entertaining.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Smash
The freshness of the herbs and berries is the most crucial part of this recipe.
Fresh Blueberries and Mint: Use fresh, ripe blueberries and bright green mint leaves. The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor payoff when muddled.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup. Alternatively, you can use simple syrup, but maple adds a desirable complexity to the final taste.
Lemon Sparkling Water: Use a high-quality, cold lemon-flavored sparkling water or club soda. This provides the necessary lift and zesty fizz.
How to Assemble Your Blueberry Mint Smash
The process focuses on muddling gently and building the layers of mint and ice.
Muddle the Base: In a sturdy serving glass, add the blueberries, mint, and maple syrup. Gently press (or muddle) the ingredients 3-5 times. This releases the juices without making the mint bitter.
Layer the Herbs and Ice: Add half of the ice to the glass. Next, add more fresh mint leaves on top of the ice. Add the remaining ice to fill the glass.
Top with Fizz: Pour the lemon-flavored sparkling water over the ice until the glass is full.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with more blueberries and a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately.
Blueberry and Mint Smash Mocktail FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries for muddling?
A: Yes, you can. Allow the frozen blueberries to thaw slightly before muddling. Since frozen fruit is very hard, this prevents breaking your glass when pressing.
Q: What is the best way to muddle mint?
A: Only press gently! Therefore, avoid smashing the mint, as this releases chlorophyll, which gives the drink a bitter, grassy taste. A gentle twist is all you need.
Q: Why do I layer the mint in the ice?
A: Layering the mint keeps the herb suspended throughout the drink, ensuring you get the aroma and flavor with every sip, and it looks much more attractive.
Q: Can I use lime sparkling water instead of lemon?
A: Absolutely. The flavor profiles are similar. However, lime tends to be slightly tarter, so you may want to add an extra splash of maple syrup.
Blueberry and Mint Smash Mocktail
Ingredients
Method
- In a glass, add blueberries, half the mint (5 leaves), and maple syrup. Muddle gently 3-5 times.
- Add half of the ice. Then, add the remaining 5 mint leaves.
- Add the remaining ice.
- Pour the lemon flavored sparkling water over the ice.
- Optionally garnish with more blueberries and a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately.
