Latvian Blackcurrant and Garden Mint Sparkler with Fresh Honey

Put the blackcurrants, honey, water and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a bare simmer, stirring to dissolve the honey.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups (280 g) fresh blackcurrants, stems removed
• 1/3 cup (110 g) honey
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
• 1 large handful fresh mint, about 20 leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 3 cups (720 ml) chilled sparkling water
• Crushed ice, to serve
• Extra blackcurrants and lemon wheels, to garnish

Instructions

1. Put the blackcurrants, honey, water and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a bare simmer, stirring to dissolve the honey.
2. Cook for 8 minutes, crushing the berries against the pan with the back of a spoon, until they have burst completely and the liquid is inky purple and lightly thickened.
3. Remove from the heat, add the mint leaves, cover the pan and steep for exactly 10 minutes. Pull the mint at that point, because a longer infusion turns the cordial vegetal.
4. Strain through a fine sieve set over a bowl, pressing hard on the solids to get every bit of juice, then discard the pulp. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
5. Chill the cordial in the refrigerator until thoroughly cold, at least 90 minutes. It keeps for two weeks in a sealed jar and only improves after the first day.
6. Pack four tall glasses with crushed ice and pour a scant quarter cup of the cordial into each.
7. Top slowly with the chilled sparkling water, tilting the glass so the bubbles hold, then stir once from the bottom to bring the color up through the ice.
8. Garnish with a mint sprig, a small cluster of whole blackcurrants and a lemon wheel, and serve at once with a straw.
9. Blackcurrants grow in nearly every Latvian garden and dacha plot, and the late-summer glut has always been turned into cordials, syrups and cold drinks meant to last past the harvest. Blackcurrant carries far more acid and tannin than most berries, which is why it holds up under honey and sparkling water instead of disappearing into sweetness. The result is a drink with real backbone, which is more than most non-alcoholic summer coolers can claim.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 40mg