Blackberry Ginger Prosecco Cocktails Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

I adore making cocktails that are both delicious and delightful to drink, and my Blackberry Ginger Prosecco Cocktail embodies everything I love about the art of cocktail making. It is, first and foremost, a delicious drink; you could easily sip it on a front porch in a rocking chair, with a sultry summer evening encroaching and fireflies just along the edges of your field of vision.

But the big deliciousness that you experience when you drink this cocktail is very much the result of careful layering of flavors, of not straightforwardly mixing equal parts of the cocktail’s constituent ingredients, but rather of placing the blackberry and ginger at the forefront of the drink while letting the lemon and prosecco linger in the background. Using a chilled bottle of prosecco as the base for this cocktail provides several advantages.

While prosecco adds a crisp, bubbly texture, it does not mask the delicate flavors and notes of the fresh blackberries and ginger in the drink. Also, prosecco is not as caloric as many other sparkling wines, so this is a lighter cocktail option.

Finally, each cocktail is garnished with mint leaves, which are as lovely to look at as they are to taste, because they add a hint of coolness with every sip. When I serve this, I always use ice, so it’s a cold refresher for these warm summer months.

Ingredients photo for Blackberry Ginger Prosecco Cocktails Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Blackberry Ginger Prosecco Cocktails Recipe

1 cup fresh blackberries.

Antioxidant powerhouses that are low in calories, high in fiber, and definitely not about to cause any weight gain.

1 tablespoon granulated sugar.

Sweetness is added; it should be used sparingly to achieve a lighter cocktail.

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: It’s a spicy, aromatic addition that aids digestion.

1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice: Provides a refreshing tartness and vitamin C.

A chilled bottle of prosecco: a light, bubbly Italian wine that maintains the celebratory atmosphere.

Mint leaves, freshly picked, for garnish: Heightens aroma and adds a refreshing touch.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 cup fresh blackberries

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1 bottle chilled prosecco

  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

  • Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine the fresh blackberries and granulated sugar in a small bowl. A fork works well for the next step. Use it to gently mash the blackberries. You’re aiming to release their juices and mix them thoroughly (but gently) with the sugar.

2. Combine the freshly grated ginger and freshly squeezed lemon juice with the mashed blackberries. Mix well.

3. Allow the mixture of blackberries and other ingredients to sit for about 10 minutes. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together.

4. Strain the blackberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, using a spoon to exert gentle pressure to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining solids.

5. Refrigerate the strained blackberry ginger mixture for no less than 30 minutes.

6. To serve, fill each glass about halfway with ice cubes.

7. Verser dans chaque verre, sur la glace, environ 2 cuillères à soupe du mélange de mûre et de gingembre.

8. Chilled prosecco is to be used to finish each glass, poured to the top and mixed in gently with the rest of the ingredients.

9. Each cocktail should have fresh mint leaves added as a garnish to deliver a pop of color and a little extra freshness.

10. Enjoy the refreshing taste of this Blackberry Ginger Prosecco Cocktail served immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Fork
3. Fine mesh sieve
4. Pitcher
5. Spoon
6. Grater (for ginger)
7. Juicer (for lemon)
8. Refrigerator (for chilling)
9. Glasses (for serving)

FAQ

  • Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh ones?
    Yes, you can use frozen blackberries, just make sure to thaw them first for better mixing.

  • Is there a substitute for prosecco in this recipe?You can use champagne or any sparkling wine as a stand-in for prosecco.

  • How far in advance can I prepare the blackberry mixture?The blackberry mixture can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.

  • Can I omit the ginger for a less spicy version?Certainly, you can leave out or lessen the ginger for a more subdued taste.

  • Is it possible to make this cocktail non-alcoholic?Absolutely! For a mocktail version, swap out the prosecco for sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

  • What can I use to sweeten the cocktail if I don’t have granulated sugar?As substitutes for granulated sugar, you can use honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use frozen blackberries instead of fresh blackberries.
Substitute honey or agave syrup for granulated sugar to create a different kind of sweetness.
If fresh ginger is not available, use ground ginger, but decrease the amount for a less potent flavor.
Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a different citrus taste.
Use cava or champagne instead of prosecco.