Blueberry Lemonade

This blueberry lemonade from Taste of Home reader Cindy Reams of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, is as pretty as it is refreshing, with an eye-catching purple-blue hue. This extra-summery twist on the classic patio sip is a fun addition to your standard lemonade recipes, and it’s easy to make, too. Simply simmer fresh blueberries with water and sugar, then mash them to release their juices. This creates a fruity simple syrup that’s mixed with lemon juice and cold water.

Toss in a handful of whole blueberries for bursts of juicy fruit, and you’ve got a pitcher that’s perfect for summer parties and backyard barbecues, or for adding a little red, white and blueberry to your holiday spread.

Ingredients for Blueberry Lemonade

• Sugar: Granulated white sugar is the best choice here because it dissolves easily and has a neutral sweetness. You can experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, but they can have a more noticeable effect on the lemonade’s flavor, and you may need to adjust the amount.
• Blueberries: Sweet, fresh blueberries are ideal for the brightest flavor, though you can use frozen berries if they’re not in season. One cup of berries is simmered and mashed to create the fruity syrup, and another cup is stirred into the lemonade uncooked as a garnish.
• Water: You’ll need 1 quart (4 cups) total to make the blueberry simple syrup and finish the lemonade. Use cool, filtered drinking water for the cleanest, freshest flavor.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to making the best lemonade. Two or three medium lemons should yield the 1/3 cup of juice you need for this recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the sugar and blueberries

Combine the sugar with 1 cup of blueberries and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it starts to thicken and reduces slightly.

As it cooks, gently mash the blueberries with a fork or potato masher to release their juices.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice

Transfer the blueberry mixture to a large pitcher. Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining blueberries. Let the mixture cool completely before adding more liquid.

Editor’s Tip: Prefer a smoother lemonade? Let the blueberry syrup cool slightly, then blend it with the additional whole berries, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, then add it to the pitcher.

Step 3: Finish with cold water

Once the blueberry mixture has cooled, stir in the remaining 3-1/2 cups of water. Pour it into ice-filled glasses and serve it immediately, or refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve it.

Blueberry Lemonade Recipe Variations

• Add a herbal twist: Steep herbs in the warm blueberry syrup and lemon juice, then remove them before stirring in the water. Try earthy rosemary lemonade, fresh mint leaves for a cooling flavor, or dried lavender for a floral, aromatic note.
• Make it fizzy: Replace some or all of the still water with plain or berry-flavored seltzer to make sparkling lemonade. To keep the bubbles fresh, add it just before serving.
• Turn it into a cocktail: Dress blueberry lemonade up for grown-up gatherings by adding a splash of vodka or gin to each glass to make an easy spiked lemonade.
• Try mixed berries: Use half blueberries and half strawberries, raspberries or blackberries for a lemonade with a slightly different color and a layered, fruity flavor.

How to Store Blueberry Lemonade

Store blueberry lemonade in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for three to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving it, since the blueberry mixture can settle as it sits.

If you have a small amount leftover, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Use the ice cubes to keep future glasses of lemonade cold without diluting the flavor.

Can you make blueberry lemonade ahead of time?

Yes! You can make blueberry lemonade two to three days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also prepare just the blueberry syrup ahead and refrigerate it, then mix it with fresh lemon juice and water when you’re ready to serve the drinks.

Blueberry Lemonade Tips

Can you use frozen blueberries?

Juicy, fresh blueberries are ideal for blueberry lemonade, but you can use frozen fruit in a pinch. Add blueberries straight from the freezer to the saucepan with the sugar and water, and cook them for a few extra minutes to heat them through and coax out their juices.

Will this lemonade recipe work with other berries?

Yes! You can use this recipe to make other berry-flavored lemonades. Simply swap the blueberries for strawberries, raspberries or blackberries, or use a mix of berries. Keep in mind that these fruits are seedier than blueberries, so you may want to strain the syrup before mixing it with the lemon juice and water.

Can you make blueberry lemonade sugar-free?

You can use a sugar alternative to make lower-sugar blueberry lemonade, but the sweetness and flavor may vary depending on the sweetener. Some sugar-free sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit, are much sweeter than regular sugar, so you’ll need to use less. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.