This easy homemade blackberry lemonade recipe is the perfect refreshing drink for summer. The blackberry syrup can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

Making your own fruit syrups or cordials from fresh or frozen seasonal fruit is a great way to preserve the fruit and delivers a delicious, refreshing drink for many weeks. It’s also a great way to use up leftover fruit that has gone soft. This recipe can be made with a variety of fruit. Passion fruit, fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries), cherries, etc. all make delicious lemonade flavors.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Blackberries. I used fresh blackberries but frozen blackberries can be used too. Other fruit like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries will work perfectly as well.
Sugar. Honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar can be used as substitute.
Fresh lemon juice.
Fresh lemon zest.
Water.

How to make blackberry lemonade

Make the syrup: Stir together all the ingredients in a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the berries are completely soft. You could mash the berries with a fork or potato masher to break them up and allow more of their juices to be released. Taste and adjust the sweetness/tartness to your preference. Strain the blackberry syrup through a fine mesh strainer/fine mesh sieve and discard the blackberry puree and seeds. Pour the syrup into jars or bottles then allow to cool completely.
Serve: Pour the syrup over ice cubes into a large pitcher and top up with still or sparkling water/club soda. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve. This syrup also makes a delicious cocktail by adding a shot of vodka or white rum to the glass before pouring over the homemade lemonade.

Can I make this ahead?

The blackberry syrup can be made up to 3 weeks ahead and kept in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.