Blueberry Mint Lemonade Spritzer

Ingredients

• id: fresh_blueberries_drink metric: 250g imperial: 1 1/2 cups name: fresh blueberries

• id: fresh_mint_leaves_drink metric: 60ml imperial: 1/2 cup name: fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

• id: granulated_sugar_drink metric: 150g imperial: 3/4 cup name: granulated sugar

• id: water_syrup_drink metric: 240ml imperial: 1 cup name: water for syrup

• id: fresh_lemon_juice_drink metric: 180ml imperial: 3/4 cup name: fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

• id: cold_water_drink metric: 480ml imperial: 2 cups name: cold water

• id: sparkling_water metric: 720ml imperial: 3 cups name: sparkling water, chilled

• id: ice_cubes_drink metric: as needed imperial: as needed name: ice cubes

• id: lemon_slices_drink metric: 1 lemon imperial: 1 lemon name: lemon, sliced for garnish

• id: blueberry_garnish metric: 120g imperial: 3/4 cup name: fresh blueberries for garnish

• id: mint_sprigs metric: 6 sprigs imperial: 6 sprigs name: fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the blueberry-mint syrup by combining {granulated_sugar_drink} and {water_syrup_drink} in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.

2. Remove from heat and add {fresh_blueberries_drink} and {fresh_mint_leaves_drink}. Muddle gently with a wooden spoon to release flavors and break down some of the berries.

3. Let the syrup steep for 20 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing the solids to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids and let syrup cool completely.

4. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled blueberry-mint syrup with {fresh_lemon_juice_drink} and {cold_water_drink}. Stir well to combine.

5. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more syrup if needed, or dilute with additional water if too sweet.

6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

7. To serve, fill glasses with {ice_cubes_drink}. Pour the lemonade mixture until glasses are about 2/3 full.

8. Top each glass with {sparkling_water} and stir gently to combine.

9. Garnish with {lemon_slices_drink}, {blueberry_garnish}, and {mint_sprigs}. Serve immediately.

Tips

Berry Muddling: Gently muddle the blueberries to release their juice and color without creating too much pulp. Some texture in the syrup is desirable.

Mint Handling: Lightly bruise mint leaves before adding to the syrup to release essential oils. Avoid over-muddling as it can make the drink bitter.

Make Ahead: The lemonade base (without sparkling water) can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Sparkling Water: Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain maximum fizz. Gently stir to preserve carbonation.

Adult Version: For a cocktail version, add 30ml (2 tbsp) vodka or gin per serving before adding the sparkling water.