Dark Matter Jet-Black Drink (Printer-Friendly)

A striking layered drink with activated charcoal, blackberry syrup, and refreshing citrus accents.

# What You Need:

→ Blackberry Syrup

01 - 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Charcoal Base

05 - 1/4 teaspoon food-grade activated charcoal powder
06 - 1 cup cold sparkling water
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
08 - 1 teaspoon agave syrup (or simple syrup), to taste

→ Garnish & Assembly

09 - Crushed ice
10 - Blackberries, for garnish
11 - Lemon or lime wheels, for garnish
12 - Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Combine blackberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Gently mash berries and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until syrup thickens. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, then strain through a fine mesh sieve, discarding solids. Allow syrup to cool.
02 - In a small pitcher, stir together cold sparkling water, activated charcoal, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup until charcoal fully dissolves forming an inky black mixture.
03 - Fill two tall glasses three-quarters full with crushed ice. Pour charcoal base evenly over ice. Slowly layer 2 tablespoons of blackberry syrup onto each glass by pouring over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers.
04 - Top with fresh blackberries, lemon or lime wheels, and optional fresh mint sprigs. Serve immediately to preserve layering and freshness.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like something from a scifi lab but tastes like summer in a glass
  • The layered presentation makes everyone reach for their phones before they even taste it
  • You get all the drama of a fancy cocktail without any alcohol or complicated equipment
02 -
  • Activated charcoal will temporarily turn your tongue and teeth gray, which is either hilarious or terrible depending on your plans for the next hour
  • The charcoal powder clumps like crazy if you dump it in all at once, whisk it in a tiny bowl of water first
  • Layers look dramatic for about five minutes before they start bleeding together, so assemble right before serving
03 -
  • Add a pinch of smoked salt to the charcoal base for this incredible savory depth that keeps people guessing
  • Float a tablespoon of coconut water between the black layer and syrup for a subtle creaminess
  • Use the leftover syrup stirred into oatmeal or drizzled over vanilla ice cream
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