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Sparkling Berry Lemonade

A bright, fizzy lemonade made with a quick berry syrup and club soda. The ratio of syrup to lemon to soda keeps it balanced and bubbly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mixed fresh or frozen berries strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 4-5 lemons
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup from above
  • 3 cups chilled club soda or sparkling water
  • ice cubes
  • lemon slices and extra berries for garnish

Equipment

  • small saucepan
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • pitcher
  • citrus juicer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Make the berry syrup: In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5 minutes until berries soften and release their juices.
  2. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on solids with a spoon to extract all liquid. Discard solids. Let syrup cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes). You should have about 3/4 cup syrup.
  3. Juice the lemons: Roll lemons on the counter before cutting to release more juice. Strain seeds and pulp through a fine-mesh strainer into a liquid measuring cup.
  4. In a pitcher, combine 1/4 cup of the berry syrup and the lemon juice. Stir to blend. (Reserve remaining syrup for another use, like drizzling over pancakes or yogurt.)
  5. Just before serving, add the club soda to the pitcher. Stir gently once or twice—do not over-stir or you'll lose carbonation.
  6. Fill glasses with ice. Pour the sparkling lemonade over ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and a few fresh berries. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: The berry syrup keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Do not mix the syrup and soda ahead of time—the carbonation will fade. For a less sweet version, reduce syrup to 3 tablespoons. For a boozy twist, add 1 oz vodka or gin per glass. Common allergens: none. If using frozen berries, no need to thaw first.