Blue Raspberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe
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
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
- 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