Blueberry Lemonade is a vibrant, refreshing drink that combines the tangy zest of lemons with the sweet burst of blueberries for a flavor that’s pure sunshine in a glass. Perfect for warm afternoons or gatherings, this drink is as eye-catching as it is delicious, with its rich purple hue and citrusy aroma. In just 18 minutes, you can whip up a pitcher that’s sure to impress.
Each sip offers a harmonious blend of tart and sweet, with a smooth, velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying. Packed with vitamin C and natural antioxidants, it’s a guilt-free treat that’s as nourishing as it is indulgent. Serve it chilled for a drink that’s both invigorating and utterly irresistible.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water – divided
- 2 cups (300 g) blueberries – fresh or frozen (frozen works just as well!)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar – adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness
- 1 cup (236 ml) lemon juice – fresh-squeezed is best for maximum flavor
How to Make Blueberry Lemonade
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup (236 ml) water, blueberries, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the blueberries release their juices. This will take about 10 minutes or longer. The blueberries will become very soft, and the liquid will turn a vibrant blue.
- Pour the blueberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher or bowl. Use a spatula to press the berries and extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining solids.
- Add the lemon juice and the remaining 5 cups (1.18 L) water to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
- Serve immediately over ice, or refrigerate until chilled. Always stir before serving to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. Enjoy your refreshing Blueberry Lemonade!
Creative Serving Suggestions
Serve your Blueberry Lemonade in a frosted mason jar for a rustic touch, or add a sprig of fresh mint and a few extra blueberries for a pop of color. For a fun twist, freeze blueberries in ice cubes to keep your drink chilled without diluting the flavor. Perfect for summer picnics or backyard gatherings!
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your Blueberry Lemonade in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always give it a good stir before serving, as the blueberry mixture may settle. If you’re making it ahead, wait to add the ice until just before serving to keep it from getting watered down.
Recipe Variations to Try
For a sparkling version, replace half of the water with chilled sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add an extra ¼ cup of lemon juice. For a herbal twist, steep a few sprigs of fresh thyme or basil in the blueberry mixture while it cooks.
Time-Saving Hacks
Use frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren’t available—they work just as well! To speed up the cooling process, pour the strained blueberry mixture into a bowl and place it in an ice bath for 10 minutes before adding the remaining water and lemon juice.
Blueberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 6 cups water divided
- 2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice fresh-squeezed is best!
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of water (236ml), blueberries, and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and blueberries release their juices (they will become very soft and tender and the liquid will become very blue!). This may take 10 minutes or even longer.
- Pour blueberries and liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher (or other bowl that you can easily pour into the pitcher). Use a spatula to press the berries to press through as much juice as possible. Discard remaining solids.
- Add lemon juice and remaining 5 cups water (1.18L) and stir well.
- Pour over ice and serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled before serving. Always stir blueberry lemonade before stirring. Enjoy!