Blueberry Lemonade Sparklers

I love varieties of lemonades in the summer. With all manner of fruits being available, it feels like a sin not to enjoy them in any way I can.

This blueberry lemonade is a tart twist on lemonade. Fresh blueberries are blended before mixing with fresh lemon juice, pure cane sugar, then topped with sparkling water for that added ‘sparkle’. It’s refreshing, just a tad tart (but in a good way), and a great drink to have on some of summer’s hottest days.

Tips and Tricks

Do I have to use fresh berries and lemons?

Certainly not. In fact, squeezing 2/3 cups of lemon juice is no small feat for the wrists.

If you can, find organic lemon juice at your grocery store (the only ingredient on there should be lemon juice, no preservatives added). The same goes for blueberry juice, though that’s harder to find.

See right for recommended organic juice brands.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! This is one drink you can easily prep hours or even a day before you serve it.

I suggest taking the juice mixture and storing in a container. You don’t want to mix with the sparkling water right away, otherwise it will lose it’s sparkle.

Ingredients:

(Makes 4 - 5 servings)

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (substitute with a 1/3 cup of organic blueberry juice - See tips and tricks)

  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (or 2/3 cup organic store bought lemon juice)

  • ½ cup pure cane sugar

  • 4 - 5 cups sparkling water

  • 4 - 5 tbsp gin (optional, if you want to make this a cocktail)

Directions:

If you’re working with fresh blueberries, place them in a blender and blend until fully pureed. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the blueberries so all you have is the juice, and not the skins. You can use a spoon to gently push the juice through the sieve if it’s slow-going. (If you’re working with organic blueberry juice, simply add the juice to the bowl).

Add the lemon juice and sugar to the blueberry juice. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until all the sugar has dissolved.

When you’re ready to serve, place some ice cubes in 12 oz. glasses. Add a 1/3 cup of the blueberry and lemon juice mixture to each glass. If you’re adding gin to these, add a tbsp to each glass now, and stir gently. Add 1 cup or more of sparkling water to each glass. Add in fresh blueberries if desired.

Serve and enjoy!