Dark Matter jet-black layered (Print Version)

A striking jet-black blend of blackberry syrup, activated charcoal, and citrus creating layered flavors.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Blackberry Syrup

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

→ Charcoal Base

05 - 1/4 tsp food-grade activated charcoal powder
06 - 1 cup cold sparkling water
07 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
08 - 1 tsp 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)

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine blackberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Gently mash and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until syrup thickens. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, strain through a fine mesh sieve, discarding solids. Allow syrup to cool.
02 - In a small pitcher, stir together sparkling water, activated charcoal powder, lime juice, and agave syrup until charcoal is fully dissolved and mixture is uniformly black.
03 - Fill two tall glasses three-quarters full with crushed ice. Pour charcoal base over the ice evenly between glasses. Using the back of a spoon, slowly layer 2 tablespoons of blackberry syrup over each glass to create a gradient effect.
04 - Top each glass with fresh blackberries, a lemon or lime wheel, and a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It tastes as spectacular as it looks, with that surprising pop of tart blackberry cutting through the smooth, citrusy charcoal base.
  • No bartending skills required—the drama is all in the layering, which anyone can master in one try.
  • It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, so you're never stuck explaining dietary accommodations to guests.
02 -
  • The charcoal must be food-grade, certified, and specifically meant for consumption—this is not the time to experiment or improvise.
  • The magic of layering only works if the blackberry syrup is completely cool; warm syrup will mix and blur the beautiful color separation.
  • Stir the charcoal mixture thoroughly or you'll get gritty sips that feel like drinking sandy water.
03 -
  • Make the blackberry syrup a day ahead and keep it in the fridge—it actually deepens in flavor and you'll be grateful for the shortcut when friends show up.
  • Buy your food-grade activated charcoal online from reputable suppliers or health food stores; drugstore versions aren't designed for consumption.
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