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Blue Raspberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Blue Raspberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining tart lemon juice with sweet, vibrant blue raspberry syrup made from fresh raspberries and blueberries. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, chilled and garnished with fresh fruit, ideal for quenching your thirst on hot days.

Ingredients

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 begin making the berry syrup.
  2. Add Berries: Add raspberries and blueberries to the saucepan with the sugar water.
  3. Simmer and Mash: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Gently mash the berries with a spoon or potato masher to release their juices and infuse the syrup with flavor.
  4. Continue Simmering: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Strain the Syrup: Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a heat-resistant bowl, pressing the solids to extract maximum syrup.
  6. Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in blue food coloring gel, raspberry extract, and citric acid if using, to enhance color, flavor, and tartness.
  7. Cool and Store: Allow the syrup to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  8. Squeeze the Lemons: Extract about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice from 6-8 lemons, removing any seeds.
  9. Make a Simple Syrup (Optional): Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Let cool before use.
  10. Combine Lemon Juice, Sugar (or Simple Syrup), and Water: In a large pitcher, mix lemon juice, sugar (or simple syrup), and 4 cups cold water. Stir until well dissolved.
  11. Adjust to Taste: Taste and modify sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, lemon juice, or water according to preference.
  12. Add More Water (If Needed): Add any remaining water to reach desired consistency.
  13. Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and chill completely.
  14. Fill Glasses with Ice: Prepare serving glasses by filling them with ice cubes.
  15. Add Blue Raspberry Syrup: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled blue raspberry syrup into each glass.
  16. Top with Lemonade: Fill the glasses with chilled lemonade, leaving a small space at the top.
  17. Stir Gently: Mix the syrup and lemonade gently to combine flavors.
  18. Garnish (Optional): Add lemon slices and fresh raspberries and blueberries for a decorative and flavorful touch.
  19. Serve Immediately: Serve the refreshing Blue Raspberry Lemonade straight away and enjoy!

Notes

  • The blue food coloring, raspberry extract, and citric acid are optional but help enhance color and flavor.
  • Adjust sugar amounts depending on the tartness of your lemons and personal taste preferences.
  • This recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for summer gatherings.
  • The berry syrup can be stored in the fridge up to two weeks for convenience.
  • Use fresh or frozen berries; if frozen, thaw slightly before cooking for best results.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/blue-raspberry-lemonade-the-ultimate-refreshing-summer-drink-recipe-2/