Summertime and lemonade are the classic duo - and this Refreshing Blueberry Lemonade will make you wish it was summer all the time! This easy recipe starts with homemade blueberry simple syrup, then the perfect ratio of lemon juice and water is added for a truly refreshing drink. Make this adult-friendly by adding the spirit of your choice.
Make the Blueberry Simple Syrup - In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of water, sugar, and blueberries. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar melts and the blueberries start to break down - about 5-7 minutes. While cooking, smash the blueberries with the back of a sauce spoon to release all of the juices. Note - taste the blueberry syrup and adjust the sweetness to taste. Keeping in mind the blueberries are naturally sweet.
Over a small bowl, strain the blueberry syrup through a fine mesh strainer - pushing the blueberries through the strainer with the back of a sauce spoon. Set aside to cool.
Add the blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and 4 cups of water to your pitcher. Add more water to dilute the lemonade more if you prefer. Chill and serve over ice with extra blueberries and a slice of lemon. Note - you can also swap the water for sparkling water, or a half/half mix.
Notes
Sweetness - Adjust the sugar to your taste. I prefer a less-sweet lemonade and prefer more of the sweetness to come from the blueberries. Please note - the more sugar you add may dilute the flavor of the blueberries.
Lemon - I used bottled lemon juice for this recipe. You can also use the juice from fresh lemons. Depending on the size of the lemons, you may need 5-6 lemons.
Water - Adjust the water to your taste. I recommend starting with 4 cups of water to make the pitcher of lemonade, but you can add more to dilute the blueberry syrup.
Make it Bubbly - Swap the water for sparkling water. Or use a half/half mix for a sparkling blueberry lemonade.
Servings - This recipe can be halved, doubled, or tripled.