Description
This refreshing Blackberry Lemonade recipe combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweet, vibrant flavor of blackberries. Perfect for a hot day, it’s easy to make in just 10 minutes and serves eight. The homemade blackberry syrup is gently cooked to release natural juices and sweetened with sugar, then mixed with lemon juice and water for a perfectly balanced beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Blackberry Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Make the Blackberry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, sugar, and fresh blackberries. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, mashing the berries with a spoon to release their juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.
- Strain the Syrup: Pour the cooked syrup through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Use the back of a spoon to press the berries gently to extract as much juice as possible while leaving behind seeds and pulp. Discard the solids left in the strainer.
- Finish the Lemonade: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the blackberry syrup in the pitcher. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator and serve it over ice for a refreshing drink.
Notes
- For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup or adjust to taste.
- If fresh blackberries are not available, frozen blackberries can be used; just thaw before cooking.
- To enhance flavor, garnish with lemon slices or fresh blackberries when serving.
- Store leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a sparkling twist, replace some of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
