Paul Kushner
The Vanilla Earl Grey Blackberry Mocktail is a flavorful non-alcoholic drink that blends rich, layered ingredients into one refreshing glass. Brewed Earl Grey tea provides a fragrant base with notes of black tea and bergamot, while a touch of vanilla adds smooth sweetness that balances the flavors. Blackberry shrub brings tangy fruitiness with a hint of complexity, giving the drink depth and character. Club soda tops it off with a gentle fizz, making it light and refreshing. Served over ice and garnished with blackberries or a sprig of mint, this mocktail is a great choice for dinners, parties, or quiet evenings.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Vanilla Earl Grey Blackberry Mocktail is aromatic, layered, and refreshing. Earl Grey tea forms the foundation with its distinctive bergamot character, giving the drink a refined depth. The blackberry shrub contributes tart sweetness with subtle vanilla and tea undertones, balancing the citrusy sharpness of the orange. Vanilla bean sugar adds warmth and soft sweetness, enhancing the complexity without overpowering the fruit. Club soda lifts the drink with bubbles, making it light and crisp. Garnished with orange slices, blackberries, or edible flowers, this mocktail is visually striking and offers a balance of fruit, spice, citrus, and delicate floral notes.
Equipment and Glassware
This Vanilla Earl Grey Blackberry Mocktail calls for both basic bar tools and simple tea-making equipment. A teapot or heatproof cup is needed for brewing Earl Grey tea. A jigger helps measure tea and shrub precisely, while a muddler is essential for extracting juice from the orange slice and blending it with vanilla bean sugar. A cocktail shaker chills and integrates the mixture, and a strainer ensures a smooth pour into the serving glass. A rocks glass works best, offering room for ice and garnishes. Optional bar tweezers or tongs can help place blackberries and edible flowers neatly for presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Earl Grey tea leaves
- 2 oz Hot water
- 1 Large Orange slice
- 1 tsp Vanilla bean sugar
- 1 oz Blackberry shrub with vanilla and Earl Grey
- Club soda to top
- Orange wedge or slice garnish
- Blackberry garnish
Instructions
- Place the Earl Grey tea leaves in a cup or teapot and pour 2 ounces of hot water over them. Let the tea steep for a few minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly.
- Fill a rocks glass or similar-sized glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the large orange slice and vanilla bean sugar. Muddle together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the orange slice is flattened, releasing its juices.
- Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea and the blackberry shrub into the shaker. Top with ice.
- Shake the mixture well until the shaker is very cold and begins to sweat.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Top the mocktail with club soda for a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish with an orange wedge or slice and edible flowers if desired.
- Sip and enjoy the complex flavors of this elegant mocktail!
Pro Tips
- Brew the Earl Grey slightly stronger for a bolder tea flavor.
- Use homemade blackberry shrub for fresher, more nuanced taste.
- Adjust sweetness by altering the amount of vanilla sugar.
- Chill the tea before mixing if you prefer a colder mocktail.
- Express orange peel oils over the drink for extra citrus aroma.
- Use clear ice for a polished presentation.
- Garnish with edible flowers to highlight the drink’s delicate character.
- Serve immediately after topping with soda to preserve carbonation.
When to Serve
The Vanilla Earl Grey Blackberry Mocktail is perfect for occasions that call for sophistication without alcohol. Its complexity makes it well-suited for brunches, afternoon teas, or elegant dinners where layered flavors can shine. With its tea base, it bridges the gap between classic cocktails and refined mocktails, making it an excellent choice for non-drinkers who still want something special in hand. The berry, citrus, and vanilla notes also make it fitting for spring and summer gatherings, though the warming spice of Earl Grey carries beautifully into cooler months. It’s versatile, flavorful, and ideal for entertaining year-round.
Which Brands to Choose
- Earl Grey Tea: Twinings, Harney & Sons, Fortnum & Mason
- Blackberry Shrub: Shrub & Co., Element Shrub, homemade
- Club Soda: Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, Perrier
Similar Cocktails
- Orange Pomegranate Mocktail
- Bourbon Autumn Rickey
- Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz
- Cheeky Peach Cocktail
- Peach Ginger Bourbon
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Earl Grey tea leaves
- 2 oz Hot water
- 1 Large Orange slice
- 1 tsp Vanilla bean sugar
- 1 oz Blackberry shrub with vanilla and Earl Grey
- Club soda to top
- Orange wedge or slice garnish
- Blackberry garnish
Instructions
- Place the Earl Grey tea leaves in a cup or teapot and pour 2 ounces of hot water over them. Let the tea steep for a few minutes, then set it aside to cool slightly.
- Fill a rocks glass or similar-sized glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the large orange slice and vanilla bean sugar. Muddle together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the orange slice is flattened, releasing its juices.
- Pour the brewed Earl Grey tea and the blackberry shrub into the shaker. Top with ice.
- Shake the mixture well until the shaker is very cold and begins to sweat.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Top the mocktail with club soda for a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish with an orange wedge or slice and edible flowers if desired.
- Sip and enjoy the complex flavors of this elegant mocktail!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a stronger tea flavor, steep the Earl Grey tea leaves for a few extra minutes.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less vanilla bean sugar according to your taste.
- If you don’t have vanilla bean sugar, you can use regular sugar and add a small drop of vanilla extract.
Hello, I’m wondering what exactly the ingredient “blackberry sheub with vanilla and earl grey” is? Is it a pre-made thing, or can it be made at home?
Thank you!