Photo: John Kernick

This drink is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, perfect for soothing winter colds.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh blackberries, or 1 1/2 cups frozen
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 tsp.)
• 1 cup apple juice for each serving

Directions

Active time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

To make syrup: In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and pass through a sieve, pressing with the back of a wooden spoon so that only the seeds and skin are left behind. Discard contents of sieve.

Stir lemon juice into syrup. You can use it immediately, or let cool and refrigerate up to 3 days.

To serve: Heat apple juice (or simply use water, if preferred) in a pot or microwave. Stir about 2 Tbsp. hot blackberry syrup into each cup of juice, until dissolved. Garnish with apple slices or blackberries, if desired.