Fresh Summertime Blackberry Lemonade

It’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s a beautiful shade of pink that looks gorgeous with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. This blackberry lemonade uses a from-scratch blackberry sugar syrup mixed with fresh lemon juice and served over ice. It’s a Southern favorite, and perfect with a splash of bourbon.

Making lemonade from scratch might seem like extra work, but it’s mostly hands-off time. The berry syrup simmers while you juice the lemons, and everything just needs a quick mix before chilling.

Making the blackberry syrup separately extracts the most flavor from the berries and lets you control the sweetness. The quick boil breaks down the fruit completely, releasing both flavor and pretty color. Straining removes the seeds and pulp, leaving you with a smooth syrup that blends perfectly. You’re left with a refreshing drink that’s not too sweet and has actual fruit flavor instead of that artificial taste.

Tips for Success

Use fresh lemons! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is so much better for homemade lemonade.

Use a pitcher with lots of ice. Pour the homemade blackberry lemonade into a large pitcher and fill it up with plenty of ice cubes to keep everything cold.

Include more ingredients! You can add club soda and a splash of vodka to give this homemade blackberry lemonade a fun twist.

Ingredients and Equipment

Lemons: Look for heavy, thin-skinned fruits – they typically have more juice.

Blackberries: Fresh or frozen both work perfectly here. If you love blackberries, try my Southern Blackberry Sweet Tea for a non-lemonade drink.

Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best for making the syrup.

Mesh Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer is essential for getting a smooth syrup.

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Make It Your Own

• Swap blackberries for raspberries or a mixed berry blend
• Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the syrup while cooking
• Turn it into a spritzer by using sparkling water for part of the dilution
• Make double strength and freeze in ice cube trays for flavored ice cubes
• Create a cocktail version by adding a splash of vodka or gin, or try Blackberry Mojitos or a Blackberry Old-Fashioned

This is great for serving at get-togethers. It’s super simple but makes a big impression if you take the time to add the extra garnishes. I hope you enjoy this Southern favorite.