Posted in Seasonal Sips

Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer

Inspired by: Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

Some stories have a setting that becomes a character all its own. Souls of Lost Lake is one of those books.

With its mysterious lake, hidden secrets, haunting atmosphere, and layers of history waiting to be uncovered, this story creates a feeling of being surrounded by nature while searching for answers buried beneath the surface.

The Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer captures that same feeling: refreshing, a little mysterious, and rooted in the beauty of the natural world.

Perfect for slow reading sessions, warm evenings, and stories that invite you to look a little deeper.

Lost Lake Blackberry Sage Spritzer Recipe

Ingredients

  • ½ cup fresh blackberries
  • 4-5 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • ¾ cup sparkling water
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Add blackberries, sage leaves, lemon juice, and honey or maple syrup to a glass.
  2. Gently muddle the ingredients together until the blackberries release their juices and the flavors begin to blend.
  3. Fill the glass with ice.
  4. Pour sparkling water over the mixture and stir gently.
  5. Garnish with a few extra blackberries and a fresh sage leaf.

Cozy Variations

Make it a summer gathering drink:
Prepare a larger batch in a pitcher and serve over ice.

For a deeper berry flavor:
Let the muddled blackberry and sage mixture sit for a few minutes before adding sparkling water.

For a sweeter version:
Adjust the honey or maple syrup to your taste.

Posted in Coffeehouse Favorites

Vanilla Honey Latte with Cinnamon

Inspired by: The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli

There are some books that call for a quiet corner, a soft blanket, and a warm drink in your favorite mug. The Way Back is a story of healing, grace, and finding beauty in the places we thought were broken, so this latte felt like the perfect companion.

This vanilla honey latte is warm, comforting, and gently sweet with just a touch of cinnamon. It is the kind of drink you make on a slow morning while reading a few more chapters than you planned.

The Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk of your choice
  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 1-2 shots espresso
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Optional: whipped cream and extra cinnamon for topping

Directions

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso.
  2. Warm milk in a saucepan over low heat.
  3. Whisk in honey, vanilla, and cinnamon until combined.
  4. Pour coffee into your favorite mug.
  5. Add the warm milk mixture and stir.
  6. Top with cinnamon and enjoy.

Cozy Reading Pairing

Best enjoyed with:

  • A favorite blanket
  • A cozy reading chair
  • A rainy afternoon
  • A few uninterrupted chapters

Reader’s Note:
This drink is especially lovely for stories about healing, hope, and finding your way home.