Introduction

Blue Raspberry Lemonade is a vibrant and refreshing summer drink that perfectly balances tart lemon with sweet berry flavors. This homemade recipe uses fresh raspberries and blueberries to create a naturally colorful and tasty lemonade that’s sure to brighten any warm day.

Blue Raspberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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)
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

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Place it over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the raspberries and blueberries to the saucepan.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Gently mash the berries with the back of a spoon or potato masher to release their juices.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (if available) into a heat-resistant bowl. Press solids to extract as much syrup as possible.
Step 6: Stir in blue food coloring gel, raspberry extract, and citric acid if using.
Step 7: Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step 8: Squeeze the lemons to extract about 1 cup of juice, removing any seeds.
Step 9: (Optional) Make simple syrup by heating 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool.
Step 10: In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar (or simple syrup), and 4 cups cold water. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 11: Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, lemon juice, or water as needed.
Step 12: Add remaining water (about 1 cup) or more to reach desired consistency.
Step 13: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld.
Step 14: Fill glasses with ice cubes.
Step 15: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of blue raspberry syrup into each glass.
Step 16: Fill glasses with the chilled lemonade, leaving space at the top.
Step 17: Stir gently to combine the syrup and lemonade.
Step 18: Garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries and blueberries if desired.
Step 19: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Blue Raspberry Lemonade!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh berries when possible for the best flavor; frozen berries work well too but may produce a slightly different color.
Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste or the tartness of your lemons.
The blue food coloring is optional but helps create a striking blue hue for a fun presentation.
For a sparkling version, substitute cold water with sparkling water right before serving.
Add a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal twist.

Storage

Store the blue raspberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The syrup will thicken as it cools; simply stir before use. The prepared lemonade should be kept chilled and consumed within 2-3 days. Stir gently before serving and add ice cubes for best enjoyment.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the syrup and lemonade separately in advance. Keep both refrigerated and combine right before serving for the best flavor and freshness.

What if I don’t have raspberry extract or citric acid?

These ingredients are optional. The drink will still taste delicious without them, though the extract enhances raspberry flavor and citric acid adds extra tartness and preservation.

Blue Raspberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

This Blue Raspberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the sweet and vibrant flavors of raspberries and blueberries. Perfectly balanced with homemade blue raspberry syrup, this lemonade is a delightful treat to cool down on warm days, garnished with fresh fruit and served over ice for an extra burst of freshness.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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)
1/4 teaspoon raspberry extract (optional)
1/8 teaspoon citric acid (optional)

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 (or simple syrup, adjust to taste)

Garnish

Lemon slices
Fresh raspberries and blueberries (optional)
Ice cubes

Instructions

Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Add Berries: Add the raspberries and blueberries to the saucepan.
Simmer and Mash: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gently mash the berries with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to release their juices and flavor.
Continue Simmering: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the syrup thickens slightly. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
Strain the Syrup: Remove from heat and strain the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing solids to extract syrup.
Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in blue food coloring gel, raspberry extract, and citric acid if using.
Cool and Store: Allow syrup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
Squeeze the Lemons: Extract about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice from 6-8 lemons, removing seeds.
Make Simple Syrup (Optional): Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves; cool before use.
Combine Lemon Juice, Sugar, and Water: In a large pitcher, mix lemon juice, sugar (or simple syrup), and 4 cups cold water. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Adjust to Taste: Taste and add more sugar, lemon juice, or water to reach desired sweetness and tartness.
Add More Water (If Needed): Add remaining water to achieve preferred consistency.
Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors and chill thoroughly.
Fill Glasses with Ice: Place ice cubes into serving glasses.
Add Blue Raspberry Syrup: Pour 2-3 tablespoons of blue raspberry syrup into each glass.
Top with Lemonade: Fill glasses with chilled lemonade, leaving room at the top.
Stir Gently: Stir the syrup and lemonade gently to combine evenly.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with lemon slices, fresh raspberries, and blueberries if desired.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Blue Raspberry Lemonade right away for maximum freshness and enjoyment.

Notes

Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or simple syrup to suit your taste and lemon tartness.
The optional blue food coloring enhances visual appeal but is not necessary for delicious flavor.
Citric acid helps preserve the syrup and adds a pleasant tartness; omit if unavailable.
Use fresh or frozen berries depending on availability; frozen berries may require slightly longer simmering.
Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For a stronger berry flavor, increase the amount of raspberries and blueberries slightly.
To make the lemonade less sweet, reduce sugar and balance with additional lemon juice or water.

Keywords: blue raspberry lemonade, summer drink, refreshing lemonade, berry lemonade, homemade lemonade, blueberry syrup, raspberry syrup