Get a smooth berry base

Rinse the berries and inspect them before crushing. A sturdy spoon works in place of a muddler. Press until the fruit is broken down and the lime juice and maple syrup run through it. The strainer catches seeds and pulp; use the back of the spoon to press the mixture against the mesh without forcing large solids through.

Collect the strained base in a measuring jug, then divide that actual amount evenly between the two glasses. Berry size and juiciness vary, so the recipe does not promise an exact volume of strained juice. A deep pink or burgundy result is normal; natural blackberry color need not match an illustration.

Finish each glass just before serving

Use the measured 1/2 cup ice in each glass, followed by half the berry base and 3/4 cup sparkling water. Pour the water slowly down the inside of the glass if the mixture foams. A single gentle stir is enough. The lime round belongs on the rim, with a small slit to hold it in place.

If seeds are noticeable in the drink, check the strainer rather than adding more syrup to disguise them. If the base is very thick, let it pass through the mesh patiently. Extra crushing can release more juice, but it cannot turn a coarse strainer into a fine one.

Make four without a last-minute scramble

Double the measured ingredients for four drinks and divide the strained base into four equal portions. Keep the sparkling water at 3/4 cup per glass. Prepare the washed fruit, lime rounds and empty glasses first; crush and strain the base before guests start serving themselves.

A prepared berry base should stay covered and refrigerated until needed. Add ice and sparkling water at the table, not during advance preparation. Keep a spoon for the base separate from any used for tasting so the serving jug stays clean.

Make six drinks

Use 3 cups fresh blackberries, 6 tbsp fresh lime juice, 6 tbsp maple syrup, 4 1/2 cups (1080 ml) chilled plain sparkling water, 3 cups ice and 6 thin lime rounds. Follow the same method, using six 12 fl oz glasses and dividing the berry base evenly. Each glass still gets 1/2 cup ice and 3/4 cup (180 ml) sparkling water.

A simple syrup swap

Replace the 2 tbsp maple syrup with 2 tbsp agave syrup if preferred. The sweetness and flavor will vary slightly.

More drinks to share

Try the cranberry-orange Blood Moon Fizz or a citrus-and-cranberry spritz for another sparkling option.