Blackberry Lemonade

 

We’re in the middle of blackberry season here in Arkansas.  Next to fresh Arkansas strawberries, I absolutely love, love fresh Arkansas blackberries.  I am always on the look out for ways to incorporate them in our menus.

 

 

You may have already read about my blackberry pickin’ escapades growing up.  Well, that still holds true for me today.  I’ll buy mine from a local grower or farmer’s market any day.  Fortunately, I have ready access to both in my area.

 

 

Fresh blackberry lemonade is a real treat.  It’s a surprising twist on fresh lemonade that is sure to please your family and friends.  And for those really hot, humid Arkansas summer days, it’s a real energizer. 

 

 

At the end of one of those days when the sun begins to set and f you’ve got a back door stoop or front porch, pull up a seat, listen to the evening crickets chirp and watch a bazillion fireflies dance across the meadow while sipping on a Mason jar full of this summertime deliciousness.  I guarantee it’ll put a smile on your face.  Trust me.

 

 

Blackberry Lemonade

Makes approximately 8 servings

 

 

Prepare a simple syrup:

 

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water

Bring to a boil stirring thoroughly to dissolve the sugar.  Continue boiling until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Set aside to cool.  This can be prepared ahead and kept in the refrigerator.

 

 

2 cups blackberries
2 cups lemon juice
2 cups water
lemon slices, optional

 

 

Blend blackberries until thoroughly crushed; strain to remove the seeds.  Stir the juice into the lemonade, 2 cups water and 2 cups of simple syrup.   Chill thoroughly.

 

 

Add lemon slices to the pitcher or use to garnish the serving glasses.

 

 

Note:  This is a tart lemonade.  If you prefer it to be sweeter, add additional simple syrup.

Oh, there’s a fresh blackberry cake coming up in a few days.  You just know you want a piece of that.

And just wait until you wrap your mouth around some ribs or pork tenderloin glazed with Blackberry Chipotle Glaze.  Oh yeah!

Adapted from Food Network Magazine.

You might like these additional blackberry recipes:
Fresh Blackberry Ice Cream
Ashley’s Blackberry Cobbler
Marilyn’s Wild Ducks with Blackberry Sauce