Dark Matter jet-black drink (Printable)

A jet-black layered blend combining blackberry syrup, activated charcoal, and citrus notes for a bold, refreshing drink.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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:

01 - Combine blackberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, gently mashing berries as it simmers for 3 to 4 minutes until syrupy. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, strain through a fine mesh sieve discarding solids, and allow syrup to cool.
02 - Fill two tall glasses with crushed ice. In a small pitcher, mix sparkling water, activated charcoal, lime juice, and agave syrup; stir until fully dissolved and mixture turns jet black.
03 - Pour charcoal base over the ice until glasses are three-quarters full. Slowly layer 2 tablespoons of blackberry syrup over the back of a spoon into each glass to create a striking layered effect.
04 - Top each glass with fresh blackberries, a lemon or lime wheel, and optional mint sprigs. Serve immediately for best presentation and freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks so impressive that people always ask what it is, and you get to watch their faces when you say it's completely alcohol-free.
  • The whole thing comes together in under 15 minutes, so it's perfect for unexpected guests or when you want something fancy without the fuss.
  • The blackberry and charcoal combination actually tastes incredible—layered, balanced, and nothing like those heavy non-alcoholic drinks that taste like apologies.
02 -
  • The charcoal must be fully dissolved, or you'll end up with a grainy, unpleasant texture instead of that smooth, glossy black base that's so visually stunning.
  • Timing matters for the layering—if you wait too long after pouring the charcoal base, the ice starts melting and dilutes everything, so have your blackberry syrup ready to go the moment you finish assembling the glasses.
03 -
  • Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling so the ice lasts longer and the drink stays cold from the first sip to the last.
  • The slow pour over the back of a spoon is worth mastering—it's the difference between a layered drink that looks intentional and one that looks like you mixed them by accident.
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