The Easiest Way To Make Berries Taste So Much Better

The height of summer brings my favorite seasonal produce of the whole year. I can't get enough grilled corn on the cob, fresh tomato salads, juicy peaches, and watermelon everything. But above all, I load up on strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These bright, colorful gems are at their prime, and there is nothing better. At least I thought there was nothing better. Until I tasted "marinated berries" on a recent trip to Nantucket.

At a picturesque dinner on the small island off the coast of Massachusetts, Jermaine and Marita Scarlett from Nantucket Island Creations introduced me to my new favorite summer dessert. An unassuming bowl of fruit with whipped cream. This might seem like nothing new, but my first bite revealed a flavor secret I didn't know I was missing: Champagne. Because what isn't elevated by a little bubbly?

During the meal, Chef Jermaine described the seasonal treat simply as local berries "marinated" in Champagne and honey, topped with whipped cream, and served with a piece of chocolate (molded into a flip flop, no less). Once I tasted it, I had to know more. These were the most delightful bites of berries and cream I'd ever come across.

What Are Marinated Berries?

Marita later elaborated when I reached out to get details on the catering duo's specialty: "We use an inexpensive Champagne split, local honey, and mint from my garden! We pair the upgraded seasonal berries with a fresh, very lightly sweetened whipped cream and a piece of locally made dark chocolate for a perfect summer sweet treat."

In retrospect, the combination makes perfect sense. The sweetness of the berries is complemented by the tartness of the sparkling wine, which typically has citrus, apple, and pear notes. And the honey and mint amplify the dish further.

The acidity in the wine helps macerate the fruit and draw out the most berry-licious juices, similar to the Strawberries and Wine or Italian Macerated Strawberries recipes we have on our site—no cooking needed.

How To Make Marinated Berries

Unlike other top-tier desserts at fancy restaurants, marinated berries and cream is beyond easy to make at home and serve for any occasion. Select the ripest batch of berries you can find. You can include your favorites—like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries (or even go a different route with kiwi, mango, and pineapple) and make as much or as little as you want. Mixing up at least a few cups means extra juicy results.

You can use a mini Champagne bottle (187ml, or about 6 ounces) as Marita suggests, or use a cup or so from a full-size bottle you're opening to enjoy anyway (any dry white wine will likely give similar results, though it might not be as fun without the bubbles). You don't need too much, just enough to gently toss the fruit with—think vinegar on a salad. Drizzle honey to taste to balance out any tartness and acidity. Sprinkle in chopped mint for added freshness, and let the berries hang out for a few hours or overnight for extra oomph. (This means it's a great make-ahead dessert option, too.)

When you're ready to serve, scoop berries into a bowl, along with some of the juice, and add whipped cream on top. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a square (or flip flop) of chocolate. Dig in, and then be ready to share the secret once everyone tries their first spoonful. Bonus points if you serve it with a glass of Champagne on the side.