Blackberry Sage Refresher (Starbucks Copycat)

Treat your tastebuds to a bold, fruity, herbaceous Blackberry Sage Refresher inspired by the new drink at Starbucks! With an easy homemade syrup and ground sage, each energizing sip rivals the coffee shop version!

Even for a loyal coffee girlie like me, I get my fair share of cravings for an afternoon pick-me-up that isn’t my usual cup of joe. You know what I mean–something light, refreshing, and bright to put a pep in my step without an aggressive caffeine rush. I’m a sucker for Starbucks refresher recipes in the spring and summer, so I was thrilled for the new Starbucks refreshers celebrating winter. Hello, high-vibe blackberry refresher! I feel seen! 

What is the Blackberry Sage Refresher?

This sweet-tart blackberry sage refresher drink was an unexpected yet welcomed addition to my winter lineup, and I instantly fell in love! So, of course, I had to create my own. This DIY Starbucks berry refresher has all the flavors of the original recipe with stand-out homemade flavor, using an easy-to-make blackberry syrup, a little blackberry extract for extra pizzaz, ground sage, and a juicy fresh blackberry garnish (duh!). 

It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel fancy–like it’s only right to be sipping it on a patio somewhere warming up in the sun while wearing oversized sunglasses. And you can get your fancy on at any time of day because this all-star drink is caffeine-free! Morning, noon, or night, sip away without late-night sleep regrets. Speaking of no regrets, creating this blackberry refresher at home will save you money and a trip to Starbucks. Dare I say, this version is so easy to make and tastes just as good (if not better) than the original!

If you’re in the mood for more Starbucks menu refreshers, try my Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher, Strawberry Acai Refresher, or Cran-Merry Orange Refresher. 

Jump to:

• What is the Blackberry Sage Refresher?
• What does it taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Sage Refresher
• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• How to Make a Blackberry Sage Refresher At Home 
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• FAQs
• Nutritional Info
• Other Starbucks Refresher Recipes
• Blackberry Sage Refresher (Starbucks Copycat)

What does it taste like?

This recipe is inspired by Starbucks' new refreshers on the winter menu, which features the delicious flavor combination of blackberry and sage. It is a fruity, herbal, and incredibly refreshing iced drink featuring a homemade blackberry sage base infused with a touch of citric acid for a tangy fizz. A hint of ground sage adds a signature herbaceous depth of flavor that compliments the sweet berry. 

The blackberry refresher base is mixed with water, poured over ice, and topped with a fresh blackberry garnish for a little extra tasty flair. It’s a drink that tastes just as good as it looks–deep purple, ultra-refreshing, and perfect for any time of day when you are craving something light, sweet, and flavorful.

Imagine biting into a juicy, sun-ripened blackberry–sweet, tart, and bursting with fresh flavor. Now, layer in a whisper of earthy sage, with its slightly peppery, minty, citrusy notes, and you have a refreshingly unexpected combination that is bold and perfectly balanced. 

The homemade blackberry syrup delivers a deep, jammy berry flavor, bringing natural sweetness and richness to each sip. Paired with the tart bite of blackberry extract, the sage adds an intriguing herbal contrast that keeps the refresher from being overly sweet. A touch of citric acid ties all the flavors together, enhancing the vibrancy of the fruit and adding a fizzy, mouthwatering zing.

Combined with water and plenty of ice, this whimsical drink is crisp, refreshing, and has just the right balance of sweet and tart–like a sip of winter’s magic in a glass!

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Sage Refresher

Hot take: Starbucks refreshers recipes are even better when made at home! Here’s why you should skip the coffeeshop and be your own barista: 

• Excitingly Refreshing: A bold blend of sweet-tart blackberries, earthy sage, and a fizzy citrus kick over ice makes for the ultimate pick-me-up. The intriguing flavor combo awakens your senses with every sip!
• Caffeine-Free Energy Boost: Need a morning, afternoon, or evening lift without the jitters? This vibrant refresher brings bright, fruity flavors that instantly boost your mood–any time of day! 
• Gorgeous Aesthetic: A deep purple bubbly drink with floating blackberries? It’s a total vibe. Pour yourself a glass and channel that effortless, self-care energy!

Ingredients

Below are the simple ingredients you will need to make your DIY refresher: 

• Blackberry Syrup - My easy homemade blackberry syrup adds a deep berry sweetness to the fresher base using fresh berries–and it only takes 10 minutes to make! You can also find pre-made syrup at some grocery stores, but I highly recommend making your own for the freshest flavor. 
• Blackberry Extract - Intensifies the blackberry flavor in the refresher base with a sweet, slightly tart taste and earthy undertones without adding extra sugar. Find it in the baking or spice aisle in the grocery store or shop it online. 
• Citric Acid - Adds a tartness and fizzy quality that enhances the fruitiness and balances the flavors in the refresher base. Easily find it online or look for it in the canned goods aisle in the grocery store. 
• Ground Sage - Dry ground sage adds an earthy balance to the sweet refresher base and blends well for equal flavor distribution. For the best flavor, always use spices with a good expiration date.
• Water - Filtered water serves as the foundation of the refresher, both in the concentrated refresher mix and when diluting it to prepare the drink. 
• Ice - A crucial ingredient to add a signature refresher chill! The ice also helps dilute the rich blackberry sage refresher base. 
• Fresh Blackberries – This optional floating garnish adds extra berry goodness and a pleasing aesthetic to your drink!

Substitutions

Need a trustworthy swap? Try out any of these substitutions:

• Blackberry Syrup - Substitute with blackberry jam thinned with a little water in a pinch. Raspberry or blueberry syrup also works for a slightly different berry twist! 
• Blackberry Extract - Swap with a small amount of blackberry juice concentrate or muddle blackberries for a more natural flavor. Raspberry or mixed berry extract are also options for a similar fruity depth. 
• Citric Acid - Lemon or lime juice can be a great substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor of the refresher base. To keep the fizzy quality, add a splash of unsweetened sparkling water or club soda when making your drink. 
• Ground Sage - For extra freshness, use twice the amount of fresh sage leaves finely minced or muddled and simmer the mixture for longer to fully extract the flavors. Alternatively, dried rosemary, lavender, or thyme can provide a similar earthy, herbal contrast. 
• Water - Use half or all sparkling water when diluting the refresher base instead of still water to enhance the refresher’s effervescent quality. 
• Ice - If you want to get creative, try using frozen blackberry juice cubes instead of regular ice cubes to enhance the berry flavor as they melt! 
• Fresh Blackberries - Frozen blackberries work well (and keep your drink cold!), or swap for fresh blueberries or raspberries for a different berry garnish. 

How to Make a Blackberry Sage Refresher At Home 

Easily make your new favorite refresher by following the simple steps below:

Step One: Make the refresher base. Add the water, blackberry syrup, blackberry extract, and citric acid to a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the citric acid is completely dissolved and everything is well combined. 

Step Two: Cool the refresher base. Remove the refresher base mixture from the heat, transfer it to a large glass jar, and allow it to cool completely before using. 

Step Three: Make the refresher drink. Add ice to a tall glass, then pour ½ cup of the refresher base over the ice. 

Step Four: Add water and garnish. Add ½ cup of water to the glass, stir in fresh blackberries if desired, and drink up!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

Easily make this refreshing berry sipper your own with any of the following adjustments and tweaks!

• Sweeter or Less Sweet: Adjust the blackberry syrup to taste, adding more for a sweeter drink or less for a lighter variation. You can also use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit when making the syrup for a lower-glycemic option. 
• Caffeinated: Mix the refresher base with steeped green tea instead of plain water for a caffeine boost that compliments the fruity, herbal flavors. Or mix the refresher base with a rich cold brew for a surprisingly tasty drink. 
• Berry Medley: Blackberries are the star of this drink but you can experiment with a mixed berry version by adding raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries to the syrup for a fuller, more vibrant flavor. 
• Herb Infusion: Enhance the herbaceous flavor profile by adding fresh muddled rosemary or lavender as a tasty garnish. 
• Tart & Tangy: Add a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice for a tart, zesty twist that complements the sweetness of the blackberry syrup.
• Boozy: Turn this refresher into an elegant cocktail by adding a splash of gin or vodka. Or swap the water with champagne or prosecco for a sparkling, celebratory touch–cheers!
• Sparkling: Mix the refresher base with plain, citrus, or berry-flavored sparkling water to add a satisfying texture and a hint of bitterness that compliments the herbal tones.

Serving Suggestions

• Berry-Good-Brunch: Serve blueberry refreshers with a festive brunch spread like loaded waffles, baked cinnamon rolls, or an elegant frittata or quiche. Your guests will feel like royalty!  
• Midday Booster: When you need that 3 pm pick-me-up, this is the perfect sipper that’s refreshing but not heavy. You’ll get a zing of zesty energy without the caffeine rush! 
• Happiest Happy Hour: Serve this refresher as a fun mocktail at your next group gathering or add a bit of booze for that perfect five-o'clock-somewhere unwind! 
• Dessert Darling: The refresher’s fizzy texture and sweet-tart flavors are the perfect pairing to complement your favorite sweet treats, like a berry tart, chocolate truffles, cinnamon glazed donuts, or a spiced apple crisp. Great for parties and special occasions!

Recipe Success Tips

• Use high-quality blackberry syrup. The syrup is where most of the sweetness comes from, so quality matters! I highly suggest making your own syrup for the richest flavor. 
• Don’t skip the citric acid. This ingredient is key to enhancing the drink’s tartness and rounding out the flavors. It also adds an essential fizzy quality that makes this a true refresher! 
• Allow the base to cool. After you prepare the refresher base, let it cool completely to room temperature before adding it to the drink. This allows the flavors to meld to tasty perfection and prevents the ice from melting quickly, which can dilute the flavor. 
• Adjust flavors to taste. Feel free to make this recipe your own! Prefer more sage, blackberry, or sweetness? Go for it!
• Chill the glass. For the ultimate refreshing experience, chill your serving glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before preparing the drink. This will keep everything ice-cold, so each sip is perfectly refreshing!

FAQs

Nutritional Info

This blackberry sage refresher is a balanced treat bursting with flavor and only 70 calories per serving! The blackberry syrup base is made with fresh blackberries and granulated sugar, providing moderate carbohydrates–about 18 grams per serving. The fruit’s natural sugars contribute to the sweet, fruity flavor, but most of the sugar comes from the granulated sugar in the syrup, totaling about 17 grams of sugar per serving. If you prefer a lighter option, you can easily adjust the sweetness when making the homemade syrup or opt for a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia to reduce the sugar content.

The taste isn’t the only thing that’s light about this drink– it is also completely fat-free, making it a great low-fat option for anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing beverage without the extra calories. With only 4 grams of sodium per serving from the citric acid, this drink remains low in sodium. It’s a great choice for those watching their sodium intake!

Overall, this versatile drink is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and can be easily customized to meet your specific nutritional needs! This blackberry refresher recipe offers a delicious, health-conscious choice that fits into balanced lifestyles.

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 70 calories
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Sodium: 4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Sugar: 17 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Other Starbucks Refresher Recipes

xoxo Megan