Description
A refreshing, fizzy summer drink combining fresh lemon juice, berry syrup, and sparkling water. It’s easy to make, kid-approved, and perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups mixed berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4–6 cups chilled sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves, extra berry halves, or thin lemon slices
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and water. Place over medium-high heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until berries burst and mixture thickens. Gently mash berries with the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest. Let steep for 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract liquid. Discard pulp or save for smoothies.
- Let syrup cool to room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Fill a large pitcher with ice and pour in the cooled berry syrup.
- Top with chilled sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately in glasses filled with ice, garnished with mint, lemon slices, or berries.
Notes
Chill sparkling water and syrup before mixing to maintain fizz. The syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add sparkling water just before serving to prevent flatness. Frozen berries work well; do not thaw before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: sparkling berry lemonade, summer drinks, berry syrup, refreshing beverages, mocktail, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free