Blackberry Lemonade: The Perfect Summer Drink
I used to save all of my stomach space and calories for my meal because I thought that it would be wasted on a drink. That was then. This is now. I am a reformed woman and now I thoroughly enjoy all my drinks. From smoothies to cocktails. And I would gladly make room for this blackberry lemonade. It is just the arsenal you need to fight through a hot blistery summer day. It is also a wonderful fresh lemon recipe to help you use up your delicious lemons or limes!
My husband, Ray, is the photographer for most of the pictures in this food blog. He is known for his even temperament. Even my friends are shocked when I tell them that he has his moments of irritability. We joke around that if I’ve angered him, then I’ve REALLY messed up. Ray just never gets mad.
Well, the exception to that rule is extreme heat. Ray really hates hot weather and becomes very irritable on hot days. There is a statistic showing that violent crimes go up during hot seasons. Heat is associated with increased irritability and anger. So rather than letting our anger get the best of us, I’m a firm believer in prevention. Whenever I sense that Ray is feeling a bit peeved, I immediately go to my secret weapon: this blackberry lemonade.
Can I use another berry with lemonade?
Absolutely! Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries would also be delicious in this recipe. I’m a fan of blackberry mojitos, which is why I decided to make a mocktail version of this favorite. Add a shot of rum to make it a full-on blackberry mojito!
Can I use another herb with lemonade?
Go for it! I think that basil would go really well with this mix of ingredients. It’s refreshing and fragrant, which would pair nicely with the lemon and berries. Be creative!
Why do I need to make a simple syrup?
It is best to make a simple syrup for all your cold beverages. Why? It is VERY difficult to dissolve salt or sugar into cold water. Even harder when it is icy. So if you do not want to end up with a bunch of sugar crystals at the bottom of your blackberry lemonade, take my advice. Make the simple syrup. Your guests will thank you. 🙂
What is simple syrup?
A boiled mixture of sugar and water. The ratio is 1:1. So equal amounts of sugar and water. Boil them together until the sugar is dissolved. That’s it. This is what coffee shops use to sweeten your iced coffee drinks. The baristas know that mixing sugar crystals into an icy drink is futile.
Other Refreshing Summer Recipes:
Blackberry Lemonade with Mint
Ingredients
- 1 cup blackberries pureed and strained
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 16 oz water
- 4 blackberries for garnish
- 1 shot rum optional
Instructions
- Make blackberry puree. Blend fresh blackberries until smooth. Strain with a sieve to remove the seeds. Set blackberry puree aside.
- Make simple syrup. Add in equal parts sugar and water into a small pot. Heat on medium until sugar is dissolved into water and becomes slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
- Gently bruise mint and lemon zest together.
- Then add in lemon juice, simple syrup, water, and strained blackberry puree.
- Shake with ice and serve with fresh blackberries as garnish.
Happy cooking! Tag me on Instagram @jennskitchendiary if you’ve made this dish! Would love to see how it turned out.
