Get ready to pucker and rejuvenate! Today’s Blackberry Lemon Sparkling Water recipe is the perfect thirst-quenching drink for summer. It’s the I-don’t-need-to-drink-pop (can you tell which region I live in?) -and-it’s-too-hot-for-another-cup-of-coffee-but-I-want-a-pick-me-up beverage of choice.

Spiriteds, have you discovered sparkling water? Is it in your lives already? Sparkling water was an acquired taste for me, brought on by epic summer get-togethers with a friend who always has some on hand. At first, I sipped reluctantly, constantly waiting for the moment when my lemon water would turn into 7 Up. Because obviously.

But now? I AM ALL OVER THIS STUFF. And I’m a lime girl at heart. This new obsession means I’ve been delving into all sorts of sparkling water recipes. And fruit was a logical choice. It’s also a tasty one, too. So much so, Blackberry Lemon Sparkling Water is the first of what will be several simple, straightforward sparkling water recipes. Say THAT three times fast.

Blackberry Lemon Sparkling Water was the dark horse of my kitchen experiments. I expected to like it, however I was surprised by just HOW MUCH I liked it. And, to make things more interesting, I even added a sprinkle of BLACK PEPPER. And, OMIGOD, was it wonderful!

But, Morgan, you say, that doesn’t sound very sweet.

Exactly.

Sparkling water isn’t sweet. You are more likely to pucker than to get a sugar high. Or maybe that’s just me. But it is super delicious and all kinds of refreshing. In the process of concocting this amazingness, I discovered a little bit about my palate that may be beneficial to you, too. Especially if you are a sparkling water newbie and have questions.

First, should you add sweetener to you drink? That is going to depend on your preferences. I, for one, did NOT add sweetener. This is where adding fresh fruit is helpful. Fresh fruit is often more naturally sweet than its frozen counterparts. So, adding a handful, or even two, of fresh fruit may be all the sweetness you need. If you do find a little extra sweetener is necessary, then I’d suggest a drop or two of liquid stevia or a splash of agave nectar.

Second, you might wonder whether you can use frozen fruit. The answer is YES. And frozen fruit would add a whole new level of refreshment on a hot, sticky summer day. But, be prepared, your sparkling water may not be as sweet as if you had used fresh fruit.

Third, can you mix and match your flavors? PLEASE DO. I happen to love blackberry and lemon together, which I discovered when I made 5-Minute Blackberry Sauce. That flavor combo is OUT OF THIS WORLD. It’s an all caps recipe for sure! But that doesn’t mean you can’t mix and match your flavors. Umm, did I mention I added pepper to my Blackberry Lemon Sparkling Water and loved every last drop? And if you’re looking for mix-and-match inspiration, then check out The Spruce Eats article A Flavor Guide to Pairing Fruits in Drinks. Because if pepper is just a little to weird for you, then you might enjoy a sprinkle of cinnamon instead.

Finally, what about storage? Okay, not gonna lie. I enjoy Blackberry Lemon Sparkling Water the most straight out of the gate. I don’t let it sit for hours. Yes, the flavors blend if we let the drink sit for a while. And, yes, everything becomes super beautiful. But, I just didn’t love it later as much as I loved it the minute I made it. I suspect it has something to do with the carbonation in the water being at it’s prime and the fruit being perfectly ripe when I prepped my drink. After a while, everything just sort of lost its fizz. I mean this literally and figuratively. But that also means this drink is perfect for get-togethers where everyone can prep their own drink. No heavy lifting for you ahead of time.