Blackberry Sage Refresher

Blackberry Sage Refresher (ID: 15)

Description
A sophisticated and refreshing blend featuring deep, jammy blackberries enhanced with aromatic fresh sage leaves, brightened with lime, and delicately sweetened with honey for an elevated flavor experience with subtle herbal notes.

Yield
16 oz (473 ml) - One serving

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 6-8 fresh sage leaves (more or less depending on potency and preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey (preferably raw)
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped (for refreshing quality)
- Small pinch of sea salt
- 4-5 ice cubes (omit if using frozen blackberries)

Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Microplane or zester (for lime zest)
- Citrus juicer or reamer (for lime)
- Cocktail glass or tumbler for serving

Instructions
1. Wash sage leaves and pat dry. Gently rub between palms to release volatile oils.
2. Zest the lime first, then juice it.
3. Peel and chop cucumber.
4. Add coconut water to the blender first.
5. Add blackberries, sage leaves, lime juice, lime zest, honey, yogurt (if using), cucumber, and salt.
6. Add ice cubes if using fresh blackberries.
7. Blend on low speed for 15 seconds to break down the sage leaves.
8. Increase to medium speed for 30 seconds, then high speed for 30 seconds until smooth.
9. Taste and adjust flavors - add more honey if too tart, or more lime if too sweet.
10. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer to remove blackberry seeds (optional).

Nutritional Information (approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 10g
- Fat: 2g
- Vitamin C: 40mg
- Potassium: 650mg

Benefits
- Rich in anthocyanins from blackberries for antioxidant protection
- Contains essential oils from sage leaves that support memory and cognitive function
- Provides electrolytes from coconut water for proper hydration
- Delivers digestive benefits from sage's natural compounds
- Offers antimicrobial properties from both sage and honey

Variations
- For a cocktail-inspired mocktail: Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and serve over crushed ice
- For detox benefits: Add 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger
- For gut health: Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- For herbal complexity: Substitute half the sage with fresh basil or mint

Serving Suggestion
Serve well-chilled in a cocktail glass or tumbler with a fresh sage leaf and blackberry garnish. For an elegant presentation, add a slice of lime on the glass rim. This sophisticated smoothie pairs beautifully with brunch or as an afternoon refresher. For a festive non-alcoholic option, serve in champagne flutes with a floating blackberry on top. Best enjoyed fresh, as the delicate herbal notes will diminish with time.

Berry-Based Smoothies