Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (2g) freshly ground cardamom seeds
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups (480ml) sparkling water, club soda, or chilled filtered water
  • Fresh blueberries for garnish
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Combine blueberries, water, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir in the ground cardamom.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the liquid transforms into a thick, mahogany-colored syrup (approximately 7-10 minutes).
  3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  4. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass jar, pressing down on the berry solids with a spoon to extract the concentrated flavor. Let the syrup cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Fill 4 glasses to the brim with ice.
  6. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the blueberry cardamom concentrate into each glass.
  7. Top with sparkling water or chilled water and stir gently from the bottom up to create a marbled, ombré effect. Garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves.