Blueberry Vodka Lemonade Recipe

BySam Ecclestone

My favorite summer cocktails, some not extremely dissimilar from this one, pair a clear spirit with a plentiful amount of fresh fruit and fruit juice. This Blueberry Vodka Lemonade is made with muddled fresh blueberries (as well as some vodka) and a homemade tart lemon syrup that is sweet enough to balance the sharpness of the lemons.

It’s then topped off with soda water for a refreshing finish. My typical starting point is to take 1 cup of fresh blueberries and simmer them with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water.

This concoction makes a lively blueberry syrup that has not just color but flavor, too. When I then pour in about 1/2 cup of juice squeezed from fresh lemons—about 3 to 4 lemons’ worth—the flavor balance is breathtaking.

And it’s only 2 ingredients. To give it a little kick, I incorporate 1 1/2 cups of vodka.

The vodka pairs incredibly well with the fruity and citrus elements, creating a harmonious blend. To create a perfect cocktail, finish with 3 cups of cold water and serve over ice cubes.

I sometimes like to garnish with lemon slices and extra blueberries, which adds a visually appealing touch and makes for a more festive drink. This refreshing cocktail is light but full of flavor, with a vodka base that takes it to the next level.

We first tried it at a friends’ gathering—the perfect place for a sweet, fruity cocktail that also soddenly tipsy. At any gathering, really, I would offer it as an option if you want something that feels both warm-weather appropriate and somehow wintery (because of the cranberry juice).

Ingredients photo for Blueberry Vodka Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Blueberry Vodka Lemonade Recipe

Blueberries: Choked with antioxidants and vitamin C, they lend a sweet, fruity flavor.

Sugar, in granulated form, is what sweetens and affords balance against the tartness of the lemons.

Juice from Lemons: It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which makes it a refreshing and tangy sour ingredient.

Vodka: The base spirit contributes a smooth, subtle kick to the lemonade.

Ice cubes: Absolutely necessary for ensuring that the drink you are about to consume is at the perfect temperature, making it cool and, one hopes, refreshing.

Ingredient Quantities

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  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)

  • 1 1/2 cups vodka

  • 3 cups cold water

  • Ice cubes

  • Lemon slices and additional blueberries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a tiny saucepan on medium heat, mix the fresh blueberries, sugar, and 1 cup water.

2. Combine the ingredients and set them over low heat. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5-10 minutes until the blueberries release their juices and the sugar dissolves.

3. Take the saucepan off the heat and pour the blueberry mix through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, throwing away the solids.

4. Allow the blueberry syrup to reach room temperature.

5. In a big pitcher, blend together the juice of fresh lemons and the blueberry syrup, which has cooled down since it was made.

6. Add the vodka to the pitcher and stir well to combine.

7. Add the 3 cups of cold water and stir once more to guarantee that the mixture is thoroughly combined.

8. Fill glasses for serving with ice cubes and pour the blueberry vodka lemonade over the ice.

9. If you wish, you can add lemon slices and more blueberries to the dish as a garnish.

10. Serve right away and take pleasure in your revitalizing blueberry vodka lemonade!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Mixing spoon
3. Fine mesh sieve
4. Bowl or pitcher (for straining)
5. Large pitcher
6. Juicer (for lemons)
7. Measuring cups
8. Knife (for slicing lemons)
9. Cutting board
10. Glasses for serving
11. Ice cube tray or ice maker (for ice)

FAQ

  • Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?Indeed, it is acceptable to utilize frozen blueberries; however, it is imperative to ensure that they are thawed prior to use in order to yield a syrup with the most desirable consistency.

  • Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?You can easily make a version without alcohol by substituting with more cold water or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing mocktail.

  • How long will the blueberry syrup last?If kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the blueberry syrup can last as long as one week.

  • Can I use a sugar substitute?It is acceptable to use a sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit, but be aware that these might cause a slight change in taste.

  • How can I make this less sweet?Decrease the quantity of sugar in the syrup, or increase the lemon juice for a more piquant taste.

  • What type of vodka works best for this recipe?It is best to use a mid-range, smooth vodka. Flavored vodkas, such as lemon or berry, can add an extra twist.

  • How should I serve the lemonade?Chill it and serve in a tall glass over ice, garnished with slices of lemon and a few blueberries. For stunning visuals, you might also consider employing this method: After pouring the drink into the glass, layer on the ice so that it appears haloed around the surface of the drink and makes a perfect match for the first course of this refreshing brunch.

Substitutions and Variations

Granulated sugar can be replaced with an equal amount of honey or agave syrup for a sweetness profile that is different from that of sugar.
Use lime juice for a citrus twist or store-bought lemon juice for convenience in place of your not-so-fresh lemon juice.
Substitute gin for vodka to bring a more herbal aspect to the drink, or use white rum for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Replace the cold water in the drink with sparkling water to make a fizzy version of the drink.