Description
This refreshing Mixed Berry Lemonade combines sweet-tart lemon juice with a vibrant homemade berry syrup for a perfectly balanced summer drink. Made with frozen mixed berries simmered down into a flavorful simple syrup and fresh lemon juice, it’s an ideal beverage for gatherings or a cooling treat on warm days.
Ingredients
Scale
Berry Simple Syrup
- 12 ounces frozen mixed berries (Trader Joe’s Organic recommended)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups water
Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 10 to 12 lemons)
- 1â…“ cups berry simple syrup (prepared from above)
- 6 cups cold water
- 2 lemons, sliced for garnish
- Ice, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Berry Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 12 ounces of frozen mixed berries, 1½ cups of granulated sugar, and 1¼ cups of water. This mixture will form the base for your berry simple syrup.
- Simmer the Syrup: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it gently simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the berries burst and break down, releasing their juices.
- Juice the Lemons: While the syrup simmers, wash the lemons thoroughly. Slice them in half and use a citrus press to extract the juice into a liquid measuring cup until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Cool and Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool in the pot for about 20 minutes. Then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, pressing on the berry solids to extract as much juice and flavor as possible. Discard the solids.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice, 1â…“ cups of the prepared berry simple syrup, and 6 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Chill: Slice 2 lemons into 8 slices. Add 4 slices directly into the lemonade for infusion and garnish the rest in individual servings. Stir the pitcher to mix.
- Serve: Fill highball glasses with ice, pour the mixed berry lemonade over, garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a few berries if desired, and serve with a straw for a refreshing presentation.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar when making the syrup, according to taste.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice will alter the taste.
- The berry simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for future use.
- For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or gin to your glass for a berry lemonade cocktail.
- Use glass or BPA-free plastic pitchers to avoid any off-flavors.
- Make sure to strain the syrup well to achieve a smooth lemonade without pulp.
