Refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with berry flavor, homemade Blackberry Juice is the perfect drink to cool down on a warm day! Known in Latin America as jugo de mora, this easy recipe brings out the pure, juicy goodness of blackberries with just a touch of sweetness.
What is Blackberry Juice (jugo de mora)?
Jugo de mora, also known as blackberry juice, is a popular fruit juice in Ecuador and other Latin American countries made from blended blackberries, water or sometimes milk, and sugar. It’s often served over ice as a refreshing accompaniment to lunch or a mid-afternoon treat—both tart and sweet with a bold berry flavor!
In Ecuador, homemade juices are extremely common. Living here has reminded me that I don't have to always buy juice at the store, and I can make my own juice instead. This is the easy way to make blackberry juice, with limited added sugar. Trust me, you'll be impressed with just how easy it is to make this homemade juice!
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Ingredients
You just need a handful of simple ingredients to make this easy homemade blackberry juice recipe. Here's what you'll need:
- Blackberries: Fresh blackberries and frozen blackberries both work well. Frozen berries may be slightly more tart, but they blend beautifully once thawed and are easy to find all year round.
- Water: Use cold, filtered water for the cleanest flavor. You’ll add some during blending and the rest afterward to adjust strength.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar enhances the berries’ natural sweetness. Feel free to adjust based on the ripeness of your fruit.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Homemade Blackberry Juice
- Place Ingredients in Blender: Place the 2 cups of blackberries in a blender with at least 2 cups of water and ⅓ cup of sugar.
- Blend: Blend until very smooth.
- Strain: Using a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl (or pitcher), pour the mixture over the strainer and use a rubber spatula to press as much water as possible out of the pulp.
- Serve: Transfer to a pitcher, add the remaining water and more to taste. Serve in a glass with ice and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Strain thoroughly! Use a fine mesh strainer and a rubber spatula to press out as much juice as possible from the blackberry mixture. This step ensures your blackberry juice is smooth and pulp-free, since blackberries have a lot of seeds.
- Adjust to taste. After straining, add the remaining water gradually and taste as you go. Depending on how strong or diluted you like your juice, you may want a bit more or less water or sugar.
Recipe Variations
- Add Lime or Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice after blending for an even more refreshing drink, or to make a blackberry lemonade!
- Herbs: Muddle fresh mint or basil in the pitcher for an herbal touch, especially refreshing in summer.
- Sweetener Swap: Use honey, agave, or panela instead of white sugar for a more natural sweetness. Some people prefer to use simple syrup instead of sugar, so that it dissolves fully. I find that adding the sugar to the blender helps it to dissolve nicely!
Storage
Store leftover blackberry juice in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as natural separation is normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straining is highly recommended, mainly because of the seeds that are found in blackberries. It gives the juice a smoother, more refreshing consistency. If you don't want to strain it, it will have some chunks and seeds, but it'll still be delicious!
Absolutely! It’s best served cold, so making it a few hours in advance lets the flavors meld beautifully in the fridge.
Yes, especially if you're using very ripe blackberries. I started with a small amount of sugar, too. So you can start with less sugar and add more to taste after blending.
Yes, blackberry juice can be healthy for you, especially when made at home with minimal added sugar. Blackberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, it's best enjoyed in moderation, as fruit juice (even homemade) can be high in natural sugars and lacks the fiber of whole fruit.
More Drink Recipes to Try
How to Make Homemade Blackberry Juice
Ingredients
- 2 cups blackberries I used frozen, but fresh work well too.
- 4 cups water more to taste
- ¼ cup sugar more to taste
Instructions
- Place the 2 cups of blackberries in a blender with at least 2 cups of water and ⅓ cup of sugar. Blend until very smooth.
- Using a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl (or pitcher), pour the mixture over the strainer and use a rubber spatula to press as much water as possible out of the pulp.
- Transfer to a pitcher, add the remaining water and more to taste. Serve in a glass with ice and enjoy!
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