Description
Berry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining the vibrant flavors of mixed berries and freshly squeezed lemons to create a perfectly balanced, sweet, and tangy beverage. This recipe features a homemade berry syrup and fresh lemonade, making it a delightful treat for warm days or any occasion needing a burst of fruity refreshment.
Ingredients
Scale
Berry Syrup
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries), fresh or frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Lemonade
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 6 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
To Serve
- Fresh berries
- Lemon slices
- Mint sprigs
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make the berry syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer the berries: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries break down and release their juices.
- Mash the berries: Use a potato masher or spoon to gently mash the soft berries, enhancing the release of their flavors.
- Strain the syrup: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a heat-proof bowl. Pour the berry mixture through the sieve, pressing down on the solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids left in the sieve.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the strained berry syrup to brighten the flavor.
- Cool berry syrup: Allow the berry syrup to cool completely. To speed cooling, refrigerate it before assembling the drink.
- Prepare fresh lemon juice: Squeeze lemons to obtain 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, removing any seeds for smoothness.
- Make simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup cold water. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool completely before use.
- Mix lemonade base: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, remaining 5 1/2 cups of cold water, and the simple syrup or granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste if needed.
- Chill lemonade: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare serving glasses: Fill glasses with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled and refreshing.
- Pour berry syrup: Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled berry syrup into each glass. Adjust the amount based on your preferred berry flavor intensity.
- Add lemonade: Slowly pour the chilled lemonade over the berry syrup and ice in each glass.
- Mix the drink: Gently stir the lemonade and berry syrup together to create a beautifully swirled, flavorful beverage.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish each glass with fresh berries, lemon slices, and mint sprigs for an inviting presentation.
- Enjoy your drink: Serve immediately and savor the refreshing taste of your homemade Berry Lemonade.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen mixed berries depending on the season or availability.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar in both the berry syrup and lemonade base.
- If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the lemonade after mixing to remove any pulp.
- The berry syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a sparkling version, substitute cold water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Adding fresh mint leaves to the pitcher before chilling can enhance the flavor.
- Use organic lemons and berries for a fresher and cleaner taste.
