Berry Hard Seltzer – 3 Ways
We have a prediction: this DIY hard seltzer is so easy and refreshing, you’ll want to have some in the fridge year-round.
Muddling the berries with aromatics and letting the flavors meld together overnight makes a sweet, refreshing juice — and it doesn’t require any special equipment. After spending the night in the fridge, the juice is strained and blended with citrus, simple syrup and vodka to make a concentrate that can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Then, when you’re in the mood for something fresh and boozy, simply pour some concentrate over ice and top with sparkling water. Et voila! Instant happy hour.
We put together three delicious flavor combinations for you to try, but feel free to mix and match fruit and aromatics. Or sub in different fruits — like mango, pineapple or strawberry — in the same quantities. Whatever strikes your fancy.
Bottoms up!
4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus overnight refrigeration
Ingredients
For the juices (pick one or more):
Blackberry Ginger Juice
6 ounces blackberries, plus more for garnish
1 ½-inch piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup water
Raspberry Mint Juice
6 ounces raspberries, plus more for garnish
¼ cup loosely packed mint leaves, plus more for garnish
1 cup water
Blueberry Basil Juice
6 ounces blueberries, plus more for garnish
¼ cup loosely packed basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1 cup water
For the concentrate:
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
3 ounces vodka
For the cocktail:
Ice
8 ounces seltzer water, divided
Lime wheel, for garnish
Directions
- To make the fruit juice of your choice: In a sealable jar, combine the berries, herbs or aromatics and water. Muddle to release the fruit’s juices. Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- The next day, strain the juice through a sieve and discard the pulp.
- To make the concentrate, combine the fruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup and vodka in a clean pint-size jar. Seal the jar and shake to combine. The concentrate can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To make 1 cocktail, pour 2 ½ ounces of the concentrate into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with 2 ounces seltzer water and stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wheel or an herb sprig, if using, and a few berries.
- Repeat step 4 with the remaining cocktails and enjoy!