Blueberry Maple Lemonade

by Melody Thacker, in Recipes (No Comments)

Hot summer days call for tasty cold drinks and this sparkling blueberry maple lemonade is a refreshing change of taste from ordinary lemonade. The flavor of blueberries and lemon is a delicious combination and the color is gorgeous. This lemonade also looks very pretty in a punch bowl or pitcher with blueberries and lemon slices so it’s perfect for entertaining. 

I often use local honey or real maple syrup to sweeten the food and beverages I make.  The blueberry simple syrup for this recipe uses both. The real maple syrup adds a hint of rich maple goodness, without overpowering the other flavors.  Making a simple syrup might seem like too much trouble but it’s well worth the effort and it really is simple.   

 

Sparkling Blueberry Maple Lemonade Recipe

You can prepare the simple syrup a day or two in advance. It sweetens and flavors this lemonade.

Sparkling Blueberry Maple Lemonade Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 – 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons honey, preferably local
• 3 cups water, divided
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup club soda or sparkling water
• Ice cubes, to serve

Blueberry Maple Lemonade Garnishes:
Mint sprigs
Fresh blueberries
Lemon wedges

Sparkling Blueberry Maple Lemonade Directions:

1. To prepare the blueberry maple simple syrup, combine the blueberries, maple syrup, honey, and one half cup water in a small saucepan set over medium heat.
   
2. Simmer until the berries are cooked and the mixture starts to thicken approximately 4-5 minutes. As the mixture simmers, gently press the blueberries with a wooden spoon to release their juices while stirring to combine with the other ingredients.
   
3. Remove from heat and pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to separate the solids. Place the blueberry simple syrup in the fridge to cool. 
   
4. Add lemon juice and remaining water to a large pitcher. Add blueberry maple simple syrup, to taste, and stir to combine.
   
5. Fill 4 glasses with ice cubes and fill each 2/3 full with the blueberry lemonade mixture. Top off each glass with some club soda and garnish with sprigs of fresh mint, blueberries, and/or lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4

 

The recipe is easy to double and the simple syrup keeps in the fridge for a week.

If you make this sparkling blueberry maple lemonade be sure to let us know how you like it!