Fizzy Berry Mocktail

This recipe seems so simple, but I have to share it because it’s been our go-to for years when we want to feel fancy! These fizzy berry mocktails are the perfect big batch drink to serve on a special occasion because they’re so customizable! You can go sans alcohol for anyone abstaining, or you can add a touch or two of your favorite liquor to jazz them up if you’d like!

I'm really craving this tart and sweet thirst quenching delight, so I just can't say enough about it!

Pre-pregnancy I wasn’t much of a drinker anyways, but I love this drink for when I’m especially feeling like a good alcohol fast because A)I'm a lightweight. So things go from really fun, and "oh man, this tastes great, I'm having the best time" to "I'm in the bathroom and the world is spinning" in about 0.2 seconds. and B)Since having our kiddos, I have really developed a sensitivity to alcohol in all forms. There's something about the hormone shifts in my body post-baby that really don't allow me to metabolize alcohol well. So one sip can sometimes result in a MASSIVE headache.

The one thing I do miss though is sharing an ice-cold, fruity, fizzy cocktail with a girlfriend while we chit chat and relax. Preferably outside on a shaded patio with some delicious food to share. How awesome does that sound?! Soon and very soon my friends.

A few notes about this concoction first. I'd highly suggest using fresh squeezed or the highest quality juice you can find when you're making it. At our local grocery store (HEB for you Texans out there), they have a selection of freshly squeezed juices in the produce section. Although they are somewhat pricey, they're pure juice with no additives (usually) AND they still won't cost you as much as actually buying an alcoholic drink would. A cheaper option would be to use a brand that has the least amount of added sugar as possible. "Simply Lemonade: Raspberry or Blueberry" brand would do in a pinch. Also, this recipe is really a suggestion--the beauty of it is you can adjust more or less juice to the desired sweetness you want.

There is also an optional garnish of using ice cubes with fresh fruit frozen right into them. Although that's not required, it really steps up the beauty of this drink, especially if you're using it for entertaining guests. They'll seriously think you spent so much time and effort on this drink, when really its all done in a matter of minutes! Just keep in mind if you are using the fruit cubes, you'll want to plan ahead with plenty of time for them to freeze before you plan on serving the drink. I’m putting this fizzy berry mocktail on my Mother’s Day brunch request list!

Ingredients:

1 Liter of sparkling water, berry flavored
1 Liter of fresh raspberry lemonade, or similar juice of your choice (you can use more or less to adjust desired sweetness)
1-2 cups frozen raspberries (you can use pre-frozen, or just toss some fresh ones on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and freeze for an hour or two!)
Optional: (Make sure you make these several hours in advance to allow time to freeze properly)
- Berry Ice cubes (I used 4 blueberries per ice cube and used 12 cubes total)

Directions:

Make berry ice cubes first by placing approximately 4 blueberries per cube in each cube mold, filling cubes with water and freezing for several hours.
Just prior to serving, pour sparkling mineral water into a large serving pitcher. Add juice until desired sweetness and mix.
Add in 1-2 cups frozen berries.
I prefer to add ice cubes to my serving cups and pour juice over the ice instead of mixing them into the large pitcher so that you can prevent premature melting.
Place optional umbrella in drink and enjoy!