Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300g) fresh Indian mulberries, stemmed
- 2 cups (480ml) filtered water
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (50g) honey
- 1/8 tsp (0.75g) black salt (Kala Namak)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the fruit. Rinse the mulberries under cold running water and carefully remove any green stems. Note: Stems can add a bitter, woody taste if left in.
- Create the puree. Combine the cleaned berries and water in a blender. Pulse for 30 seconds until you have a coarse puree. Note: Don't over blend into a complete liquid; we want some structure for the simmer.
- Simmer the mixture. Pour the puree into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid looks deep purple and smells fragrant. Note: Ensure it does not reach a rolling boil to keep the fresh taste.
- Integrate seasonings. Stir in the honey and black salt. Mix for 1 minute until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Extract the nectar. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth into a pitcher. Press firmly on the solids with a spoon until no more thick juice escapes.
- Add the brightness. Stir in the lemon juice while the liquid is still warm. Note: Adding it now helps the flavor meld better than adding it to cold juice.
- Chill the drink. Place the pitcher in the fridge for at least 30 minutes until it feels ice cold to the touch.
- Final touch. Pour into glasses over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.