Why You’ll Love Blueberry Mint Lemonade Recipe
This drink brings together the tart brightness of lemon juice, the gentle sweetness of simmered blueberries, and the crisp, aromatic lift of fresh mint. It’s easy to prepare, visually vibrant, and offers a twist on classic lemonade that makes it feel special. Whether you’re hosting friends, relaxing at the park, or just want a flavorful non‑alcoholic treat, this recipe delivers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup sugar
2 cups cold water, divided
2 packages (6 ounces each) blueberries, divided
½ cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves
1 cup lemon juice
Ice
Seltzer water or club soda (optional)
Directions
-
Place ½ cup sugar into a medium saucepan.
-
Add ½ cup water.
-
Add 1½ packages (6 ounces each) blueberries.
-
Add ½ cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves.
-
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
-
Reduce heat to low.
-
Let simmer 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
-
Strain the mixture through a fine‑mesh strainer into a tall pitcher, discarding the solids.
-
Stir in 1 cup lemon juice.
-
Stir in the remaining 1½ cups cold water.
-
Taste the mixture and adjust sugar and lemon juice as desired.
-
Set aside the lemonade.
-
Fill 4 tall drinking glasses with ice.
-
Divide the remaining ½ package of whole blueberries between the glasses.
-
Divide the lemonade between the glasses.
-
If desired, top with seltzer water or club soda for bubbles.
-
Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: approximately 26 minutes
Variations
-
Swap out the blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a slightly different berry flavor.
-
Use honey or agave syrup in place of sugar for a more natural sweetener.
-
Add a splash of ginger‑ale instead of seltzer for a fizzy and slightly spicy twist.
-
Make a frozen version by blending the lemonade (before adding seltzer) with ice for a slushy‑style treat.
-
Turn it into a cocktail by adding a pour of vodka or gin for adult gatherings.
Storage/Reheating
-
Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
-
Give it a good stir before serving again, as separation may occur.
-
If you added seltzer, store separately and add right before serving to preserve fizz—don’t refrigerate it already carbonated.
-
There is no reheating needed, as this is best served chilled.
FAQs
What kind of blueberries should I use?
You can use fresh or frozen blueberries. Fresh berries give the best texture and flavor for both the syrup and the garnish.
Can I make this recipe alcohol‑free?
Yes—the base recipe is non‑alcoholic. If you choose to add alcohol, treat it as a variation.
How can I make the lemonade less sweet?
After cooking the blueberry‑mint syrup, taste before adding all the sugar or lemon juice. You can reduce sugar by a quarter cup or omit the seltzer topping for a stronger flavor.
Can I prepare the syrup ahead of time?
Yes—you can make the blueberry‑mint syrup a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the lemon juice and cold water just before serving for peak freshness.
Is seltzer water mandatory?
No—it’s optional. The lemonade is delicious on its own. Seltzer just adds a fizzy element if desired.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely—just double all ingredients and use a larger pitcher. The ratio remains the same.
What if I don’t have fresh mint leaves?
You can substitute with basil leaves for a different herbal twist, or use mint extract (but only a small drop, as it’s concentrated).
Will the color change if I leave the lemonade in the fridge?
It may deepen slightly as the blueberry syrup sits, but it will remain visually appealing.
Can I skip straining the syrup?
You could skip straining for a more rustic texture, but straining gives a smoother drink and keeps bits of berry and mint out of the pitcher.
Is there a way to make this sugar‑free?
Yes—use a zero‑calorie sweetener of your choice instead of sugar. Note that texture and taste might differ slightly from the original.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Mint Lemonade is a delightful riff on a classic beverage, marrying vibrant berry flavor and refreshing mint with zesty lemon. It’s simple to make, looks beautiful in glasses, and is versatile enough to adapt to your taste or occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, brunch, or quiet afternoon at home, it will impress with its balance of flavors and bright presentation. Enjoy the sip!
Blueberry Mint Lemonade
A refreshing and fruity homemade lemonade made with fresh blueberries, mint, and lemon juice. Perfect for warm days and ideal for serving at picnics, barbecues, or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 package (6 ounces) Driscoll’s Blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Combine blueberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let cool completely.
- Strain the blueberry-mint syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
- Stir in lemon juice and 3 cups cold water.
- Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices and additional mint leaves for garnish.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste.
- For a sparkling version, replace some or all of the water with sparkling water.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg