📖 Instructions

1. Rinse and prepare the berries: Gently rinse 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries work wonderfully!) under cool water. Remove any stems or hulls. For larger berries like strawberries, slice them in half or quarters to help release their juices.
2. Combine berries and a touch of sweetness: In a blender or food processor, combine the prepared berries with 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, depending on your desired sweetness. I prefer maple syrup for its subtle caramel notes, but honey adds a lovely floral touch.
3. Blend until smooth: Blend the berries and sweetener until completely smooth. You may need to stop the blender a few times to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is evenly processed. There isn’t anything more annoying.
4. Strain for a silky texture (optional): For a perfectly smooth nectar, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This will remove any seeds or pulp. Personally, I like a little bit of texture, so I often skip this step.
5. Add liquid and spice: Pour the strained (or unstrained) berry puree into a pitcher. Add 3 cups of cold water or sparkling water. Grate about 1/4 teaspoon of fresh nutmeg into the pitcher. Stir well to combine. Feel free to adjust the amount of nutmeg to your taste – some like it bolder!
6. Chill and serve: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the Berry Nutmeg Nectar chilled, garnished with fresh berries, a sprinkle of grated nutmeg, and maybe even a sprig of mint. For an extra festive touch, rim the glasses with sugar or dip them in melted chocolate before adding the drink.