Description
A refreshing and tangy Berry Lemonade made with fresh or frozen berries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for warm days, this homemade lemonade combines natural berry flavors with citrus zing for a delicious, thirst-quenching drink.
Ingredients
Berry Mixture
- 20 ounces (567 g) frozen or fresh berries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- About 2 tablespoons water (if using frozen berries)
Lemonade
- 1 cup (237 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4 – 5 large lemons)
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups (591 – 710 ml) cold water, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Berries: For fresh berries, rinse thoroughly and remove the stems from strawberries if using. This ensures a clean and fresh base for your lemonade.
- Cook the Berries with Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the berries and granulated sugar. If using frozen berries, add about 2 tablespoons of water to help them cook evenly.
- Simmer the Berries: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the berries release their juice and soften. This takes about 4-5 minutes for fresh berries and 8-9 minutes for frozen berries. Turn off the heat.
- Blend the Berry Mixture: Using an immersion blender, blend the soft berries in the saucepan until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. Alternatively, mash the berries thoroughly using a potato masher.
- Strain the Berry Juice: Pour the blended berry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Press the mixture with a wooden spoon to extract as much juice as possible, leaving behind seeds and pulp. You should have about 1 2/3 cups of liquid.
- Chill the Berry Juice: Place the strained berry juice in the refrigerator to cool while you juice the lemons.
- Juice the Lemons: Squeeze fresh lemons to obtain about 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Mix the Lemonade: In a pitcher or large bowl, combine the chilled berry juice, lemon juice, and cold water (starting with 2 1/2 cups and adjusting to taste).
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the lemonade until cold. Serve over ice for a refreshing drink. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Using fresh berries gives a brighter berry flavor, while frozen berries are convenient and just as delicious.
- Adjust the amount of water to suit your preferred lemonade strength and sweetness.
- The berry pulp left after straining can be used in smoothies or desserts to avoid waste.
- The lemonade keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days; stir before serving as ingredients may settle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
