Autumn Berry Spritzer

A chilled berry spritzer built by mashing and straining frozen mixed berries, then diluting the puree with lime juice, sparkling water, and ice for a light drink with visible fruit color.

By Julienne

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 200 g mixed berries, frozen thawed just enough to mash easily
• 30 ml lime juice freshly squeezed
• 60 ml water cold
• 15 ml honey optional, for sweetness adjustment
• 240 g ice for serving
• 300 ml sparkling water chilled
• 4 g fresh mint leaves optional, for garnish

Instructions

1. Put the thawed berries in a small bowl and mash them with the fork or potato masher until mostly broken down. Stir in the lime juice and water. If you want a sweeter drink, add the honey now and stir until dissolved. The mixture looks juicy and evenly combined, with no large frozen chunks left.
2. Set the strainer over a second bowl and press the berry mixture through it with the spoon, extracting as much liquid as possible while leaving seeds and coarse solids behind. You have a smooth berry-lime liquid in the bowl and dryish pulp left in the strainer.
3. Divide the ice between two 350 ml glasses. Pour the strained berry mixture evenly into the glasses, then top each glass with sparkling water. Stir gently once or twice to combine without losing too much fizz. The drink is bright pink-purple, chilled, and lightly effervescent.
4. If using mint, clap the leaves between your hands and add them to the glasses as garnish. The drink is ready to serve immediately with visible bubbles.