Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Blue Raspberry Lemonade. Just saying it makes me think about those cloudless, blazing-hot days where plain old water seriously isn’t cutting it. Ever been at a cookout, sweating buckets, wishing your drink actually tasted like something? I totally get you.
That’s why homemade lemonade has become my summer hero… and if you’re aching for a twist, let me introduce you to this dazzlingly blue version. Believe me, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe faster than you can say “lemon squeeze.” Oh—if you go wild for berries in general, you’ve gotta check this blueberry and raspberry pancake topping recipe that I live for every Sunday morning.
Why This Recipe Works
So, here’s the thing. Blue Raspberry Lemonade is a real showstopper. It’s not your everyday lemonade—honestly, it’s a sugary, tangy, bright blue explosion that makes you the hero of the picnic. I’ve made it for neighbors, my kid’s friends, book club, you name it. Everybody (I mean everybody) wants the recipe. It’s the right combo of sweet and tart, and the blue color just makes people smile. Plus, kids basically lose their minds when they see it.
And, come to think of it, adults too. The key is using real lemon juice, not that fake bottle stuff (trust me, it’s worth the extra two minutes). Also, since we use blue raspberry syrup or a quick homemade jam-style mix, it comes out vibrant every single time. If you’re tired of lemonade that falls flat and looks boring, this will 100% snap you outta that rut.
“Hands down, this Blue Raspberry Lemonade vanished the fastest at our family reunion. I’m *still* getting calls for the recipe. Perfect balance of sweet and tart!” – Jessica, real-life lemonade enthusiast.
Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Ingredients
This is what you’ll need (nothing fancy or snooty, promise):
- Fresh lemons—about 5 or 6, for juice (roll them first, seriously, it squeezes more out)
- Granulated sugar, regular old white stuff
- Water (ice cold is best)
- Blue raspberry syrup (store-bought is fine, or sub in blue raspberry powder if you’re feeling wild)
- Handful of fresh raspberries for garnish (optional, but look at you! Gettin’ all fancy)
- Ice cubes
Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Recipe Tips
Okay, let’s talk about what really makes Blue Raspberry Lemonade work at home, because a lot can go sideways—sticky hands, bitter flavors, neon blue that stains your shirt.
First, don’t skip on the squeezing. Bottled lemon juice tastes sad. Honestly, freshly-squeezed lemons will lift your drink up with zing (yes, it’s worth the minor wrist workout). And if you want more blue, just add a smidge more syrup—not too much, though, or it gets cloying. Always mix the sugar into warm water first so it melts before you add anything else. You don’t want weird crunchy sugar bits, trust me.
Also, throw in ice just before serving, because nobody likes lukewarm lemonade in July. For a picnic, bring the mix in a jug, pop it in the cooler, and add ice at the last minute. Oh and pro-tip: wipe up spills fast. Blue raspberry syrup takes “permanent marker” seriously.
Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Substitutions
Out of lemons or blue raspberry syrup? No sweat. Swap lime juice if lemons are a no-go—totally ramps up the tart notes and tastes fab. If blue raspberry syrup is hiding from you at the store… yeah, that happens. Try mixing blue sports drink with a splash of raspberry extract in a pinch (odd, but it works).
Got a wild hair and want it less sweet? Toss in a splash of soda water, and you’ll get bubbles plus a lighter vibe. Even honey can stand in for sugar—add it to warm water so it blends in properly. You can go nuts with garnishes too: watermelon wedges, fresh blueberries, even edible flowers if you wanna eat like you’re at a five-star restaurant (joking, but only kinda).
Blue Raspberry Lemonade
More Refreshing Drink Recipes
If you’re like me, you need backup options (even a good lemonade can’t ride solo all summer). So here are a few sips I lean on whenever the heat gets too real:
- Try infusing your lemonade with fresh mint or basil for a gardeny twist.
- Mix a splash of iced green tea into the blue raspberry lemonade—surprisingly awesome.
- Craving something slushier? Freeze part of the lemonade in an ice tray, blend it with the rest, and boom: party slush.
- Oh, if you go crazy over blueberries, you must check out these blueberry coffee cake muffins for a snack that pairs dangerously well with lemonade.
Seriously. I experiment a lot with drinks, but this recipe is always my ace in the hole. Drag out that pitcher and make a batch—your friends (and taste buds) will thank you.
If you feel inspired and need more cool tricks or creative drinks, I’d definitely recommend checking out the original Blue Raspberry Lemonade recipe from Salt & Baker. Their version is super simple and crowd-friendly. Oh, and while you’re sipping your icy glass, don’t forget to peek at some other ideas at Salt & Baker too—who knows, inspiration could strike at any moment!
Blue Raspberry Lemonade
PrintBlue Raspberry Lemonade
A dazzlingly blue twist on classic lemonade, perfect for hot summer days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 5–6 fresh lemons, juiced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups ice cold water
- 1/2 cup blue raspberry syrup (or blue raspberry powder)
- Handful of fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Roll fresh lemons before juicing to get more juice out.
- Mix sugar into warmed water until dissolved.
- Add fresh lemon juice and blue raspberry syrup to the sugar water mix.
- Stir well and adjust sweetness with more syrup if desired.
- Refrigerate mixture until ready to serve.
- Serve over ice and garnish with fresh raspberries if desired.
Notes
Use freshly-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Mix sugar in warm water to avoid crunchy sugar bits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
