Blackberry Limeade

1. 1

   Lay a double piece of cheesecloth on a nonporous work surface (as the berries will stain a wide array of cutting surfaces and clothes, this may be best done outside or over newspaper and wearing an apron or smock).

2. 2

   Place the blackberries on top of the cheesecloth and gather into a bundle like a hobo sack.

3. 3

   Hold the sack of berries over a glass, stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic bowl; twist the top of the sack to squeeze the juice from the berries into the receptacle (this will yield about 1 cup very strong, tart, dark juice).

4. 4

   Refrigerate the juice until needed; discard the purple mash.

5. 5

   In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup water, the lime leaf, and the cardamom pod; bring to a boil.

6. 6

   Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is reduced to a thin syrup.

7. 7

   Remove the lime leaf and cardamom.

8. 8

   Allow the sugar syrup to cool and then chill it.

9. 9

   In a 1 quart pitcher, combine the blackberry juice, sugar syrup, and lime juice; stir to combine and then refrigerate until cold.

10. 10

    To serve, stir the ginger ale into the pitcher; fill glasses with ice, and pour in the blackberry limeade.

11. 11

    Garnish with slices of lime and blackberries.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.