Introduction

Blue Raspberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweet and vibrant flavors of raspberries and blueberries. This colorful beverage is perfect for cooling off on hot days and impressing your guests with a homemade twist on a classic lemonade.

Blue Raspberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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)
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

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Place over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the raspberries and blueberries to the saucepan.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Gently mash the berries with the back of a spoon or potato masher to release their juices.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a heat-resistant bowl, pressing solids to extract syrup.
Step 6: Stir in blue food coloring gel, raspberry extract, and citric acid if using.
Step 7: Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step 8: Squeeze lemons to yield about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Remove any seeds.
Step 9: (Optional) Make simple syrup by heating 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/2 cup water until sugar dissolves. Cool before using.
Step 10: In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, sugar (or simple syrup), and 4 cups cold water. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 11: Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, lemon juice, or water as desired.
Step 12: Add remaining water to reach preferred consistency.
Step 13: Refrigerate lemonade for at least 30 minutes until well chilled.
Step 14: Fill glasses with ice cubes.
Step 15: Pour 2–3 tablespoons of blue raspberry syrup into each glass.
Step 16: Top each glass with chilled lemonade, leaving some space at the top.
Step 17: Stir gently to combine syrup and lemonade.
Step 18: Garnish with lemon slices and fresh berries if desired.
Step 19: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Blue Raspberry Lemonade!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh berries whenever possible for the best flavor, but frozen berries work well too.
Adjust the sweetness by using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar—it’s easier to blend smoothly.
Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
For a boozy version, mix in vodka or gin to taste.
If you prefer a natural blue color, rely on blueberries and skip the food coloring.

Storage

Store the blue raspberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The syrup may thicken as it cools; gently warm it or stir before use. The prepared lemonade is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days. Stir before serving and add fresh ice cubes for optimal refreshment.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lemonade without fresh berries?

Yes, frozen raspberries and blueberries work perfectly fine. Thaw them slightly before making the syrup for easier mashing and juicing.

How can I make the lemonade less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar or simple syrup you add to the lemonade base. Start with less and gradually add more to suit your taste.

Blue Raspberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

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4.8 from 113 reviews

Blue Raspberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink that combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweet and vibrant flavors of raspberry and blueberry syrup. This homemade beverage features a beautiful blue hue, enhanced with optional food coloring and raspberry extract, making it perfect for hot days, parties, or any time you want a deliciously cool treat.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Syrup Ingredients

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)
1/4 teaspoon raspberry extract (optional)
1/8 teaspoon citric acid (optional)

Lemonade Ingredients

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

Instructions

Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Add Berries: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries and 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries to the saucepan.
Simmer and Mash: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gently mash the berries with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to release their juices and flavor.
Continue Simmering: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the syrup thickens slightly. Monitor to avoid burning.
Strain the Syrup: Remove from heat. Using a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (optional) over a heatproof bowl, strain the berry mixture, pressing down to extract maximum syrup.
Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon blue food coloring gel, 1/4 teaspoon raspberry extract, and 1/8 teaspoon citric acid if using.
Cool and Store Syrup: Let the syrup cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks; it will thicken as it cools.
Squeeze the Lemons: Extract about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice from 6-8 lemons, removing all seeds.
Make Simple Syrup (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool before use.
Combine Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Water: In a large pitcher, mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar (or cooled simple syrup), and 4 cups cold water. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Adjust to Taste: Taste and modify sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar/simple syrup, lemon juice, or water as preferred.
Add More Water (If Needed): Add remaining 1 cup water or more for desired consistency.
Chill: Refrigerate lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
Fill Glasses with Ice: Prepare serving glasses by filling them with ice cubes.
Add Blue Raspberry Syrup: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the blue raspberry syrup into each glass.
Top with Lemonade: Fill glasses with chilled lemonade, leaving some space at the top.
Stir Gently: Stir the syrup and lemonade gently to combine flavors.
Garnish (Optional): Add lemon slices and fresh raspberries and blueberries if desired.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Blue Raspberry Lemonade promptly for the best refreshing experience.

Notes

The blue food coloring and raspberry extract are optional but enhance the vibrant color and flavor.
Citric acid adds tartness and helps preserve the syrup longer.
Adjust the sweetness by varying sugar or simple syrup amounts according to taste.
This syrup can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Use fresh or frozen berries depending on availability; frozen works well and is convenient.
Removing seeds from lemon juice ensures a smoother lemonade texture.
For a less sweet or more tart drink, adjust the balance of lemon juice and sugar accordingly.

Keywords: blue raspberry lemonade, summer drink, refreshing lemonade, homemade lemonade, berry syrup, summer beverage