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Blue Raspberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

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4.2 from 87 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Experience the ultimate refreshing summer drink with this Blue Raspberry Lemonade recipe. Combining the tartness of fresh lemon juice with a vibrant, homemade blue raspberry syrup made from fresh berries, this lemonade is perfectly balanced with sweetness and a beautiful color that’s sure to brighten your day. Easy to prepare, it’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a perfect cool treat for sunny afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale

Blue Raspberry Syrup

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1/4 teaspoon blue food coloring gel (optional, for a more vibrant color)
  • 1/4 teaspoon raspberry extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
  • 1/8 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for a tart kick and preservation)

Lemonade

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6-8 lemons)
  • 4-5 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, depending on lemon tartness)
  • Lemon slices, for garnish
  • Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat to start creating the berry syrup base.
  2. Add Berries: Add the raspberries and blueberries to the saucepan, preparing to infuse the syrup with fruity flavors.
  3. Simmer and Mash: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once simmering, gently mash the berries with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to release their juicy flavors and vibrant color.
  4. Continue Simmering: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring intermittently to thicken the syrup slightly while avoiding burning.
  5. Strain the Syrup: Remove from heat and strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing the solids to extract maximum juice and flavor.
  6. Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in blue food coloring gel, raspberry extract, and citric acid if using, to enhance flavor and appearance.
  7. Cool and Store: Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  8. Squeeze the Lemons: Freshly squeeze the lemons to yield about 1 cup of juice, removing any seeds to maintain smoothness.
  9. Make a Simple Syrup (Optional): For additional sweetness, make a simple syrup by heating 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan until dissolved, then cool slightly.
  10. Combine Lemon Juice, Sugar (or Simple Syrup), and Water: In a large pitcher, mix the lemon juice with granulated sugar or simple syrup and 4 cups of cold water, stirring until dissolved.
  11. Adjust to Taste: Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, lemon juice, or water as preferred.
  12. Add More Water (If Needed): Add any remaining water or additional water to reach your desired lemonade consistency.
  13. Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors and chill thoroughly.
  14. Fill Glasses with Ice: Prepare serving glasses by filling them with ice cubes.
  15. Add Blue Raspberry Syrup: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of blue raspberry syrup into each glass to infuse the vibrant fruity flavor.
  16. Top with Lemonade: Fill each glass with chilled lemonade, leaving some space at the top to combine ingredients.
  17. Stir Gently: Gently stir the syrup and lemonade in each glass to evenly mix flavors and colors.
  18. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries and blueberries for a colorful, inviting presentation.
  19. Serve Immediately: Serve the Blue Raspberry Lemonade right away and enjoy this refreshing, visually stunning summer beverage!

Notes

  • The optional blue food coloring enhances visual appeal but can be omitted if you prefer natural color.
  • Raspberry extract and citric acid provide deeper berry flavor and a tart kick but are not necessary for a delicious drink.
  • Adjust the sugar and water amounts to fit your personal taste for sweetness and tartness.
  • Store leftover syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for convenient future use.
  • This recipe works well with fresh or frozen berries depending on seasonal availability.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://jonschelanderpugh.com/blue-raspberry-lemonade-the-ultimate-refreshing-summer-drink-recipe/