Refreshing Mulberry Spritzer

1. 1
   prep · ~2 min

   Rinse and check the mulberries.

   Gently rinse the mulberries in cool water. Discard any stems, leaves, or unripe berries. Pat dry lightly with a kitchen towel.

2. 2
   boil · ~10 min

   Make the mulberry syrup.

   1.Combine mulberries, sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat.

   2.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring and mashing the berries with a muddler or spoon, for 5 minutes.

   3.Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 5 minutes in the pan.

   TIPDon't boil vigorously — a gentle simmer extracts the best color and flavor without making the syrup cloudy.
3. 3
   prep · ~2 min

   Strain the mulberry syrup.

   Place a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl or jug. Pour the warm mulberry mixture through the strainer, pressing gently on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract all the deep purple syrup. Discard the seeds and pulp.

4. 4
   mix · ~1 min

   Mix the spritzer base.

   Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the strained mulberry syrup. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, about 10 minutes.

5. 5
   assemble · ~2 min

   Assemble the spritzers.

   1.Fill four glasses halfway with ice cubes.

   2.Pour 3-4 tablespoons of the chilled mulberry base into each glass.

   3.Top each glass with chilled sparkling water, pouring slowly to preserve the fizz.

   4.Stir very gently just once to marry the layers.

   TIPPour the sparkling water over the back of a spoon to create a clearer gradient and keep the fizz longer.
6. 6
   garnish · ~1 min

   Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately.

   Slap a mint leaf between your palms to release its aroma, then float it on top of each glass along with a thin lemon slice.

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