Description
Remember being a kid and thinking blue drinks were automatically more fun? Well, turns out kid-you was onto something. This Blue Raspberry Lemonade is like summer decided to dress up for a pool party — it’s bright, it’s beautiful, and it tastes like vacation in a glass.
We’re talking fresh lemon juice meeting sweet-tart raspberries with just enough blue magic to make it Instagram-worthy, but don’t worry — no artificial weirdness here. This is the grown-up version of those gas station slushies you used to beg for, except it actually tastes like real fruit and won’t give you a sugar crash at 3 PM. My kids literally fight over who gets the last glass, and honestly? I’m fighting right there with them.
Ingredients
For the Blue Raspberry Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp blue food coloring (gel works best)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6–8 lemons)
- 4–5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh raspberries and blueberries for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Lemon slices for serving
Optional Adult Upgrade:
- 2 oz vodka or white rum per glass (because summer)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, mashing the raspberries as they cook. You want them to release all their berry goodness.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the pulp to get every drop of flavor. Stir in the blue food coloring and vanilla extract. Let it cool completely — this is your magic potion right here.
While your syrup cools, juice those lemons. Pro tip: roll them on the counter while pressing down before cutting — you’ll get way more juice. Nobody has time to wrestle with stingy lemons.
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled blue raspberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and cold water. Start with 4 cups of water and taste — add more if you want it less intense. This is your show, make it how you like it.
Fill tall glasses with ice, pour in your beautiful blue creation, and garnish with fresh berries and mint. Add a lemon slice because we’re fancy like that.
Notes
Serve this at your next barbecue and watch people lose their minds over how pretty it is. It’s perfect for pool parties, kids’ birthday parties, or just Tuesday afternoon when you need something special. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge — it gets better as the flavors hang out together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~31g