Dark Matter Black Layered Drink (Printable)

A jet-black layered drink blends activated charcoal, blackberry syrup, and zesty citrus for a dramatic sip.

# What You'll Need:

→ Blackberry Syrup

01 - 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup water
04 - 1 tsp lemon juice

→ Charcoal Base

05 - 1/4 tsp food-grade activated charcoal powder
06 - 1 cup cold sparkling water
07 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
08 - 1 tsp agave syrup or simple syrup, to taste

→ Garnish & Assembly

09 - Crushed ice
10 - Blackberries, for garnish
11 - Lemon or lime wheels, for garnish
12 - Fresh mint sprigs, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine blackberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, gently mashing the berries, for 3 to 4 minutes until syrupy. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard solids and allow syrup to cool.
02 - Fill two tall glasses with crushed ice. In a small pitcher, stir together sparkling water, activated charcoal powder, lime juice, and agave syrup until the charcoal fully dissolves and the mixture turns jet black.
03 - Pour the charcoal base into each glass to about three-quarters full. Slowly layer 2 tablespoons of blackberry syrup over the back of a spoon into each glass to create a distinct separation. Garnish with blackberries, a lemon or lime wheel, and mint sprigs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's dramatic and Instagram-worthy but takes barely 15 minutes from start to sip.
  • The tartness of blackberry and lime keeps it refreshing, not cloying or too sweet.
  • You get to feel like a mixologist without needing a liquor license.
02 -
  • Food-grade activated charcoal is essential—regular charcoal or aquarium charcoal will make you sick, so triple-check the label before you even open the bag.
  • The charcoal needs cold water to dissolve properly, so don't try this with room-temperature sparkling water or you'll end up with a gritty drink that tastes like licking a pencil.
  • Layering is all about patience and the back of a spoon—rush it and you'll just have a muddy-colored drink instead of those dramatic stripes.
03 -
  • Make the blackberry syrup an hour or more ahead of time so it's completely cooled before you layer it, otherwise it'll mix right into the charcoal base and ruin your layering.
  • If you're making these for a party, prepare the charcoal base in a pitcher and the syrup separately, then assemble drinks to order so the ice doesn't melt down and water everything out.
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