As the sun begins to rise higher in the sky, I can’t shake the feeling of anticipation for a refreshing drink that’s as vibrant as summer itself. That’s when I whipped up my Blackberry Sage Cold Brew, a delightful twist on my usual coffee routine. This invigorating beverage features the natural sweetness of fresh blackberries paired with the aromatic essence of sage—perfect for those warm afternoons when you crave something cool and energizing. With just a few simple steps, you can create this herb-infused marvel that not only serves as a delicious caffeine boost but also impresses friends and family. Plus, if you’re looking for a fun way to elevate your coffee game, this recipe is genuinely easy to make and dairy-free thanks to rich oat milk foam. Curious about how to prepare this refreshing drink and turn your summer mornings into a coffeehouse treat? Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Blackberry Sage Cold Brew?

Refreshing and light, this drink is the ultimate summer refreshment that elevates your coffee experience. Unique flavor pairing of tart blackberries with aromatic sage delivers a complex yet smooth taste you’d expect from a café. Quick to make, with just a few steps, it’s perfect for busy mornings or casual afternoons. Versatile substitutions allow you to experiment with different herbs and sweeteners, making it adaptable for various dietary needs, much like our Sausage Egg Breakfast or Chicken Sausage Broccoli. Impress your guests and enjoy a gourmet experience right at home with this easy, delicious drink!

Blackberry Sage Cold Brew Ingredients

Unlock the secrets to this invigorating drink!

For the Cold Brew

Coarsely Ground Coffee – Provides the bold coffee base; choose coarsely ground for optimal flavor extraction in cold brew.
Cold Water – Essential for steeping the coffee; makes up the majority of your drink.

For the Muddled Mixture

Fresh Blackberries – Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color; feel free to substitute with other berries like raspberries.
Sage Leaves – Infuses a refreshing herbal flavor; can swap with rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
Maple Syrup – Acts as a natural sweetener without refined sugars; honey or agave can also be used as alternatives.

For the Topping

Barista Oat Milk – Creates creamy foam and enhances texture; consider using flavored oat milk for an exciting twist.
Ice Cubes – Keeps the drink cool and refreshing; using larger cubes can slow dilution and maintain flavor.

Get ready to refresh your senses with this delightful Blackberry Sage Cold Brew!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Blackberry Sage Cold Brew

Step 1: Brew the Cold Coffee
In a large jar, combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold water. Stir the mixture well to ensure all coffee grounds are saturated. Cover the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight, allowing steeping time for a rich and smooth flavor that is essential for your Blackberry Sage Cold Brew.

Step 2: Muddle the Berries & Herbs
While the coffee brews, take a separate container and add 1 cup of fresh blackberries, a handful of sage leaves, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the blackberries and sage until they are well combined and juices are released, creating a vibrant mixture. Divide this muddled delight into two glasses in preparation for your drink.

Step 3: Strain the Cold Brew
Once your coffee has steeped perfectly, place a coffee filter or a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Carefully pour the brewed coffee through the filter, allowing the liquid to flow while separating the grounds. Discard the grounds and ensure your cold brew is free of any particles, resulting in a smooth, refreshing base for the Blackberry Sage Cold Brew.

Step 4: Assemble the Drinks
Take the glasses with the muddled blackberry and sage mixture, and fill each glass generously with ice cubes. Then, pour the strained cold brew gently over the muddled mixture, letting it swirl beautifully as it fills the glass. The contrast of colors will be striking and refreshing, setting the stage for this delightful beverage.

Step 5: Froth the Oat Milk
To create the creamy topping, pour 1 cup of barista oat milk into a small saucepan and warm it gently over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth and frothy. You’ll want it to become light and airy, resembling a barista-style foam, which will elevate your Blackberry Sage Cold Brew into a creamy, luxurious treat.

Step 6: Top with Foam
Using a spoon, carefully scoop the frothy oat milk and gently spoon it over each drink, allowing it to sit beautifully atop the vibrant cold brew. For an extra touch, garnish with remaining fresh sage leaves and a couple of whole blackberries on top. This final layer will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add inviting herbal notes to your drink.

What to Serve with Blackberry Sage Cold Brew

Elevate your summer beverage experience with delightful pairings that enhance the refreshing flavors of your cold brew.

Almond Croissants: The flaky, buttery texture of these croissants perfectly contrasts with the smoothness of your drink, creating a delightful morning treat.
Granola Yogurt Bowl: Creamy yogurt layered with crunchy granola and fresh fruits echo the fruity notes of the cold brew, making for a light and satisfying meal.
Savory Scones: Pair your drink with herbed or cheese scones that add a savory dimension, balancing the sweetness from the blackberries beautifully.
Citrus Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with oranges and grapefruit complements the berry flavors and brightens your palate, making it a zesty side.
Dark Chocolate Bark: Dark chocolate’s rich bitterness enhances the herbaceous notes of the drink, creating a luxurious treat for your taste buds.
Sparkling Water: Refresh with bubbly sparkling water infused with lime or lemon, providing a crisp palate cleanser between sips of your cold brew.

Blackberry Sage Cold Brew Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful drink to make it truly yours!

Rosemary Twist: Replace sage with fresh rosemary for an earthy, aromatic flavor that will surprise your taste buds.
Imagine the fragrant aroma while brewing! The combination of blackberries and rosemary offers a unique twist that’s utterly delightful.
Berry Blend: Mix in raspberries or blueberries along with blackberries for a delicious berry medley that’s bursting with flavor.
Each berry brings its own sweetness, creating a much richer taste that you’ll adore in each sip!
Citrus Splash: Squeeze a touch of lemon or lime juice into your cold brew for a zesty brightness that enhances the whole drink.
The refreshing citrus notes refresh and awaken your senses, making every taste feel like a sunny day!
Sweetener Swap: Try honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different yet equally delicious sweetness.
Each sweetener has its unique profile, allowing you to customize the drink according to your taste preference!
Flavored Oat Milk: Experiment with vanilla or brown sugar oat milk to add an extra layer of richness and flavor complexity.
Each sip will be creamier and more indulgent, elevating your drink to a cozy café experience right at home!
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a slice of jalapeño for a surprising heat element that complements the sweetness.
This is a bold choice that adds excitement! The surprising heat will dance on your palate—it’s truly the perfect contrast.
Decaf Delight: Use decaffeinated coffee for a caffeine-free version that maintains all the refreshing flavors you crave.
You can enjoy this delightful beverage any time of the day without worrying about the caffeine hit!
Sparkling Option: Top off your cold brew with sparkling water instead of oat milk for a refreshing, fizzy beverage.
It’s a playful twist that invigorates your drink, bringing a light, bubbly sensation to each sip!

Whether you gravitate towards a sweet, spicy, or herbaceous variation, there’s a style perfect for every palate. Indulge in creativity, and enjoy your homemade experience!

Expert Tips for Blackberry Sage Cold Brew

Steeping Time Matters: Ensure your cold brew steeps for at least 12 hours; if left too long, it may become bitter due to over-extraction.
Muddling Technique: Gently muddle the blackberries and sage to release their flavors without over-mashing, which can make the mixture gritty.
Froth Like a Pro: No frother? No problem! Simply shake the warm oat milk in a sealed jar or whisk it by hand until you achieve that creamy foam for your Blackberry Sage Cold Brew.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your final drink and fine-tune the sweetness by adding more maple syrup as needed; different brands can vary in sweetness level.
Experiment with Herbs: Swap sage for other herbs like rosemary or mint for a unique flavor profile while still keeping the drink refreshing and herb-infused.

Make Ahead Options

These Blackberry Sage Cold Brew drinks are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can brew the cold coffee base and refrigerate it for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy this refreshing drink at a moment’s notice. Additionally, the muddled blackberry and sage mixture can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, simply fill your glass with ice, pour over the prepared cold brew, and top with the oat milk foam you’ve made fresh right before serving. This way, you’ll have a delicious cafe-style beverage with minimal effort, brightening up your busy summer days!

How to Store and Freeze Blackberry Sage Cold Brew

Fridge: Store the prepared Blackberry Sage Cold Brew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Keep it covered to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors.

Muddled Mixture: If preparing in advance, you can muddle the blackberries and sage mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows for easy assembly when you’re ready to enjoy.

Freezer: For longer storage, pour your cold brew into ice cube trays and freeze. These cubes can be added to smoothies or blended drinks for a refreshing twist later on.

Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy it warm, gently heat the cold brew on the stove over low heat, taking care not to overheat and lose the vibrant flavors.

Blackberry Sage Cold Brew Recipe FAQs

What type of coffee should I use for this cold brew?
Absolutely! Coarsely ground coffee is recommended to provide a bold, flavorful base for your Blackberry Sage Cold Brew. This grind allows for optimal flavor extraction during the steeping process. Avoid fine grounds, as they can result in a gritty texture and make straining difficult.

How should I store leftover cold brew?
Very well! After preparing, store your Blackberry Sage Cold Brew in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to one week. Just ensure it remains covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. For easy access, I often pour mine into a glass jar with a lid.

Can I freeze my cold brew for later use?
Absolutely! You can pour the cold brew into ice cube trays and freeze them for longer storage, which allows you to use the cubes in smoothies or blended drinks. Simply pop out the cubes as needed. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising flavor.

What if my cold brew tastes bitter?
If your Blackberry Sage Cold Brew tastes bitter, it might be due to over-extraction from steeping for too long—this can happen if you steep for more than 24 hours. To fix this, brew for a maximum of 12-16 hours next time, which will help achieve that smooth flavor without the bitterness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
Indeed! This recipe is naturally dairy-free with the use of oat milk, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. For gluten-free options, choose certified gluten-free oats while making your oat milk or any commercial gluten-free oat milk brand.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my cold brew?
Great question! Sweetness can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of maple syrup in the muddled mixture. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste before adding more. You can also experiment with honey or agave to add a different flavor to your Blackburn Sage Cold Brew.