This blueberry sage martini is one of my favorites. Fresh blueberries and sage muddled together, vodka, Martini Bianco, and a splash of lemon. The sage adds something unexpected that makes it really interesting.
About this recipe
This is a vodka martini built around muddled fresh blueberries and sage. The blueberries give you a deep purple color and a bright fruity flavor, and the sage adds a savory, slightly earthy note. I use fresh blueberries and fresh sage leaves, along with homemade blueberry syrup. The blueberry syrup is there to add sweetness and a little more concentrated flavor on top, not to replace the fresh fruit. If you want a more sage-forward drink though, swapping the blueberry syrup for a sage simple syrup is a great option. It shifts the balance so the sage really comes through.
The Martini Bianco is what makes this feel like a proper martini. It’s sweeter and more floral than dry vermouth, which complements the blueberry and sage really well. Dry vermouth works too if that’s what you have. It’ll give you a drier, more classic martini character.
Blueberries need a firm muddle to break down properly. Muddle the blueberries and sage together firmly, but once the blueberries are broken down stop there. You don’t want to over-work the sage or it turns bitter. Double strain the finished drink to catch all the skins and bits for a clean, clear result.
Key ingredients and why
- Vodka: The base spirit. Keeps the drink clean and lets the blueberry and sage come through. You could also use blueberry infused vodka. For more ideas, browse my vodka cocktail recipes.
- Martini Bianco or dry vermouth: Martini Bianco is sweeter and more floral, which works beautifully with the blueberry. Dry vermouth gives a drier, more classic result and either works.
- Fresh blueberries: About 15 per drink, muddled with the sage.
- Fresh sage: Muddled with the blueberries.
- Blueberry syrup: Adds sweetness and a concentrated blueberry flavor. My homemade blueberry syrup is quick to make and keeps for two weeks in the fridge.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the drink and balances the sweetness.
Method
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer while you make the drink.
- Muddle firmly until the blueberries are fully broken down and the sage has released its oils.
- Add the vodka, Martini Bianco, blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and a generous handful of ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds until well chilled. Double strain into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a few fresh blueberries and a fresh sage leaf.
Tips
- Muddle the blueberries firmly. Once they’re broken down, stop muddling so the sage doesn’t get over-worked.
- Double strain. Use a cocktail strainer and a fine mesh sieve to catch all the blueberry skins and sage bits.
- Chill your glass. A cold martini glass keeps the drink colder for longer. Pop it in the freezer while you make the drink.
- Martini Bianco vs dry vermouth. Bianco is sweeter and more floral and it’s my preference here. Dry vermouth gives a more classic, drier result.
- Make the syrup ahead. The blueberry syrup needs to be completely cool before using. It keeps in the fridge for two weeks.
- Want more sage flavor? Swap the blueberry syrup for sage simple syrup.
Related recipes
- Blueberry Simple Syrup – the syrup that makes this drink
- Blueberry Gin Sour – the same syrup with gin and egg white foam
- Raspberry Mint Martini – another fruity muddled martini
- Blueberry Mojito Mocktail – alcohol-free blueberry drink
Blueberry Sage Martini
Ingredients
- 15 fresh blueberries about a small handful
- 4 fresh sage leaves
- 2 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz Martini Bianco or dry vermouth
- 0.5 oz blueberry simple syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- ice
- fresh blueberries and a sage leaf to garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer.
- Add the fresh blueberries and sage leaves to a cocktail shaker.
- Muddle firmly until the blueberries are fully broken down and the sage has released its oils.
- Add the vodka, Martini Bianco, blueberry syrup, lemon juice, and a generous handful of ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a few fresh blueberries and a small sage leaf.
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!