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Sparkling Grape Mocktail

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverages
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • Measuring cups
  • Cocktail shaker or large glass
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Tall glasses or wine glasses
  • Bar spoon or long stirring spoon
  • Citrus Juicer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 100% pure grape juice chilled, white or red variety
  • 1 cup sparkling water chilled, unflavored or lemon-lime flavored
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 medium lemon
  • 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey adjust to taste preference
  • 6-8 leaves fresh mint or basil leaves plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup fresh grapes halved, or seasonal berries
  • 1 medium lemon sliced into rounds for garnish
  • 1 cup ice cubes as needed

Instructions
 

  • In a cocktail shaker or large glass, gently muddle 6-8 fresh mint or basil leaves with the maple syrup or honey. Press lightly to release oils without tearing the leaves completely.
  • Add the chilled grape juice and fresh lemon juice to the muddled herbs. Stir gently to combine all flavors.
  • If using a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake lightly for 10 seconds. If using a glass, stir well with ice cubes.
  • Fill two tall glasses or wine glasses with fresh ice cubes. Strain the grape juice mixture evenly between the glasses, leaving room for sparkling water.
  • Slowly top each glass with chilled sparkling water, filling to about 3/4 full. Stir gently with a bar spoon to maintain carbonation while combining.
  • Garnish each glass with halved fresh grapes, a lemon slice, and a sprig of fresh mint or basil. Serve immediately with stirring spoons.

Notes

SCALING:
Double or triple all ingredients proportionally for larger gatherings. For 4 servings, use 2 cups grape juice, 2 cups sparkling water, and adjust other ingredients accordingly.
STORAGE:
The grape juice mixture (without sparkling water) can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated. Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain carbonation.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
If too sweet, add more lemon juice. If too tart, add additional natural sweetener gradually. For a more intense herb flavor, muddle additional leaves or let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes before straining.
MAKE-AHEAD:
Prepare homemade simple syrups with herbs 1-2 days ahead for deeper flavor. Infuse maple syrup with mint by gently warming and steeping for 30 minutes, then strain and cool.

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