Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups cold filtered water (divided)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup blue raspberry syrup (store-bought or homemade flavoring)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- Plenty of ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Create a simple syrup base by combining 1 cup of the filtered water and the granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity), combine the prepared simple syrup base, the remaining 5 cups of cold water, and the 1 1/2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir vigorously to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Step 3: Carefully measure and pour the blue raspberry syrup into the pitcher. Stir until the entire mixture has achieved a uniform bright blue color and the desired raspberry flavor profile.
- Step 4: Taste the lemonade and adjust if necessary; if it is too tart, add 1-2 tablespoons more sugar or simple syrup; if it is too sweet, add a splash more cold water or lemon juice. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly cold.
- Step 5: To serve, fill glasses with plenty of ice. Pour the blue raspberry lemonade over the ice, garnishing each glass with fresh raspberries and a thin slice of lemon before serving.
Notes
- Store leftover lemonade in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; give it a good stir before serving as settling of the flavorings is common.
- If the lemonade tastes less vibrant after extended chilling, revive the flavor by adding a splash more fresh lemon juice or a small measure of cold water to adjust the balance.
- For an elevated presentation, pre-freeze some fresh raspberries or slices of lemon into water to create beautiful, flavored ice cubes that won't water down your drink.
- Always allow your simple syrup to cool completely before mixing it with the citrus base; adding warm syrup can prematurely dilute and dull the vibrant flavor profile of the fresh lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American