Monday, June 10, 2013

the best ever blackberry mint lemonade



I love lemonade!

And although I love just a simple glass of lemonade, I've become quite smitten with flavored ones as well.

You know, the ones that are infused with things like mint, fruits, vanilla, and even herbs.

Vanilla Bean Lemonade won my heart; that is, until I made THIS refreshing blackberry lemonade infused with mint.


Oh. my. gosh.

It is soooo good.

The sweet factor in this lemonade is a MINT infused simple syrup! YUM!

There's something magical about adding infused simple syrups to drinks.

Boiling water and sugar allows the sugar to completely dissolve, which creates a SMOOTH drink; and then adding an herb, like mint ~ for example ~ gives the syrup a WOW factor!


I made this recently for our little guy's Gentleman's Tea, and again for friends over Memorial Weekend . . . and it was loved by all!

It's a perfect addition to any Summer-time menu!
 . . . or any menu for that matter (smile!)


Ingredients

3 cups water
1 cup sugar
18 mint leaves, torn
2 cups frozen/fresh blackberries
ice
3 mint sprigs
4 cups natural store-bought lemonade
mint sprigs



Preparation
Bring the water and sugar to boil in a small pot. Stir the water/sugar mixture until the sugar is dissolved then turn off the heat. Add the torn mint leave and give the pot a stir. Allow the simple syrup to cool.

Add the blackberries to a blender. Place a strainer over the mouth of the blender and pour the mint simple syrup into the container. Discard the mint leaves. 

Blend the simple syrup and the blackberries on low speed for just a few seconds at a time, just enough to break the berries apart but not enough to puree them.

Fill a juice pitcher halfway with ice and add the mint sprigs. Pour the lemonade and the blackberry mixture over the ice. Stir the blackberry mint lemonade and add more ice if necessary before serving.


bon appetit!





16 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:57 AM

    This looks like such a gorgeously refreshing combination Suzanne! I love blackberries. I haven't had any for ages, but I am sure that the mint would compliment the sweetness beautifully. I might be naughty and try this with a slug of vodka. Mmmm :) Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh yum...this looks like such a fabulous summer drink! This would be great to link-up to my Create It Thursday post...it's live now! www.lambertslately.com/2013/06/create-it-thursday-6-plus-features.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations...this post was featured on Create It Thursday this week! Thanks for posting such a great idea! http://www.lambertslately.com/2013/06/create-it-thursday-7-plus-features.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Leslie!

      I am so excited that my blackberry lemonade recipe is being featured on Create It Thursday this week!
      Thank you so much!
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  4. Oh, wow...what a beautiful drink....and I know it tastes even better than it looks.
    I love your pretty photos of it all....
    Over from Lavender Garden...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi bj!

      Thanks for stopping by!
      I hope you have a chance to make it soon. It really is so good! A great Summer lemonade!
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  5. Anonymous6:25 AM

    This not only looks beautiful but sounds amazing! I always have some Simply Lemonade in my fridge and this just elevates a good thing to great. I love thie idea of making the simple syrups with herbs. Can't wait to make and serve to my fam/guests. Thanks for the recipe. Have a wonderful day! Love, Wanda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wanda!
      Thanks for stopping by!
      I really hope you give this blackberry recipe a try.
      It truly is the best lemonade I've ever had!
      My guests never leave without asking me for the recipe :o)
      Have a beautiful week,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  6. Hi this lemonade looks so good and I bet tastes great. I saw it on share your cup.
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous4:25 PM

    I'm a fellow lemonade lover and this sounds (and looks) wonderful. I'm having a luncheon tomorrow so I know what I'll be trying. Can't thank you enough for sharing this. I must also add, your photo's are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Trina!
      So happy you stopped by!
      I can't wait for you to try this lemonade! It is so so good, as you will see!
      Hope you stop by again,
      Suzanne

      Delete
  8. Looks so yummy! I will be trying this one as well. Love your recipes! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really hope you try this lemonade.
      It's over-the-top good, especially on a hot Summer day!
      Thanks for visiting, Jann!

      Delete
  9. I love lemonade! It is perfect for us here in Puerto Rico because we always have hot weather. Thanks for sharing it with us over at the Less Laundry, More Linking party.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh this sounds heavenly and I am so looking forward to taste testing this recipe :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love lemonade and berries. I can't wait to try this! Are all your recipes original?

    ReplyDelete

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