A completely homemade, sweet, refreshing drink made with fresh ingredients. Perfect for Summer!
Happy Memorial Day {Weekend}! The first official holiday of the Summer that gives us a reason to BBQ, woohoo! When I think of Summer I tend to lean towards making basically anything that will keep me cool and refreshed. One of my favorite things to make is a yummy drink to sip while relaxing by the pool (ya know, whenever that actually happens.. sounds good though, doesn't it?). This Blueberry Lemonade just SCREAMS Summer and is bursting with delicious and fresh flavors. Blueberry + lemon are one of my most favorite flavor combos so I knew I just couldn't go wrong here.
I love how the flavors compliment each other. The lemon brings the tartness and the blueberries bring a little sweetness. They balance each other out perfectly and with a little bit of extra sweetener, it is by far the most delicious lemonade I've ever made.
It starts with a simple blueberry syrup made with fresh blueberries and a little bit of sugar. While those are simmering and getting all juicy and delicious, you'll squeeze the crap out of 10 lemons to get all of the juice out and mix it with some water in a large pitcher. I like to strain my lemon juice because the pulp of the lemon always finds its way in and that's just nasty. Strain your blueberry syrup to get all of the blueberry pieces out and make sure to taste test because it is gloriously delicious and the most beautiful purple-y color. Pour that into your lemonade.. Next, you'll make a simple syrup of equal parts sugar and water and add it a little bit at a time to your blueberry lemonade until it's as sweet as you'd like it. Annnd you're done!
How simple is that? If you aren't a fan of blueberries you could also try adding raspberries, strawberries, or any of your favorite berries in it's place!
So good. So refreshing. Bring it on Summer!
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Blueberry Lemonade
Ingredients
*Blueberry Syrup*
- 3 cups fresh blueberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
*Lemonade*
- 10 large lemons 2 cups of juice
- 6 cups water
*Simple Syrup*
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium-size saucepan on medium-low heat, stir blueberries and sugar together and allow the berries to cook down and start releasing their juices, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently. Once blueberries have released lots of liquid, mash them down and cook for another 5 minutes. Mash one last time and then strain blueberry syrup into a large measuring cup and set aside to cool down completely.
- Squeeze all of your lemons into a large measuring cup or bowl. You should wind up with about 2 cups of lemon juice. Straining your lemon juice is optional but I like to get all of the pulp out. Pour lemon juice and water into a large pitcher along with blueberry syrup and stir.
- In a small saucepan, whisk sugar and water together until all sugar is dissolved. Gradually add the simple syrup to your blueberry lemonade until it is sweetened to your liking. I use abut ½-3/4 cup to sweeten mine. Serve over ice with additional blueberries for garnish.
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Chris says
I made this drink today for my wife, and my girls. It turned out great, everyone loved it. I decided to spice up my wife's and mine a little and added Blueberry Lemonade Rum. This drink is definitely a great weekend BBQ favorite.
Jessica says
I have never even heard of blueberry lemonade rum?! That must have been perfect with this drink! I'm so happy your family all enjoyed it, Chris! 🙂
Sherronne Battle says
Can this be made with frozen blueberries?
Jessica says
Absolutely! Just cook them a little longer on the stove.