This deliciously refreshing drink evokes the sweetness of a midsummer afternoon. The bright flavor of freshly squeezed lemons blends with the deep rich essence of the black raspberries and the cooling hint of mint. Not only does this drink taste amazing, but the naturally vibrant purple color is gorgeous.

Made with just a few ingredients, the bright flavors of Black Raspberry Lemonade Refresher combine to make a truly thirst-quenching drink full of the benefits of natural fruit.

Black raspberries are often confused with blackberries. However, black raspberries are smaller than blackberries and smaller than the more common red raspberries as well. Because they are not typically commercially grown, black raspberries are more often found growing in the wild, at roadside stands, or at farmers markets, rather than at the grocery store. The fruit is quite fragile and does not have much of a shelf life, so it is best if used soon after picking.

We happen to have black raspberry bushes growing wild in our yard and all throughout the area, so it is a joy to just step outside and pick them. Their rich, sweet, earthy flavor is unique and it is a treat to simply pick and eat the berries while they are ripe and still warm from the sun. Though I have to say the multitude of mosquitoes and deer flies made picking a little more challenging this year!

I enjoy making black raspberry muffins, but as it has been such a hot summer so far, a refreshing drink was calling my name this week. So my son and I went berry-picking and he helped me photograph this wonderful Black Raspberry Lemonade Refresher. I based the recipe on a great one I found at Third Blessed Farmhouse. I added the mint leaves but otherwise, stuck close to that recipe.

black raspberries with lemons

Because black raspberries are seedy, using a fine mesh strainer to strain the fruit after cooking it is important, allowing the fruit to release its rich flavor and color in a liquid form.

black raspberry lemonade pouring

Once you make the black raspberry simple syrup, while the syrup is cooling, you can squeeze the lemons, add the sugar and a pinch of salt, and then cold water.

black raspberry lemonade with pitcher

Combining the essences of the fruits creates a naturally tangy and revitalizing drink that is bursting with fruity flavor. Not to mention the beautiful jewel-toned color. Fresh mint adds a cooling effect. This delicious drink does not last long in my house, especially on a hot summer day.

hand holding black raspberry lemonade

Black Raspberry Lemonade Refresher

  • Servings: 8
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Ingredients:

For the black raspberry syrup:

  • 3 cups of black raspberries
  • 1/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of water

For the lemonade:

  • 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of salt (depending on your taste)
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 5 to 6 cups of cold water
  • fresh mint leaves

Directions:

For the black raspberry syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the black raspberries and 1/4 cup of water. Stirring over medium-high heat, bring the berries and water just to a boil. Continue to stir and gently boil for another 2 minutes, till berries break down and mix with the water.

Get out a metal or glass bowl and your fine mesh strainer. Carefully pour the contents of the pan into a fine mesh strainer, holding the strainer over the bowl, to strain out the seeds. You may need to move the berries around with a spoon and press gently, to get all the juice to go through the strainer. Once you have as much juice strained through as you can, return the juice to the saucepan. Add the 1/4 cup of sugar and stir, bringing just to a boil. Gently boil and stir the juice and sugar mixture for 2 more minutes. Allow to cool. This should make about 3/4 cup of syrup.

While the black raspberry syrup cools, it’s time to make the lemonade mixture. Squeeze 1/2 cup of lemon juice (about 4 lemons) into a 2-cup glass liquid measuring cup. Add 1/2 cup of sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 cup of warm water. Stir to combine.

Pour the black raspberry syrup and the lemonade mixture into a 2 quart pitcher. Stir well to combine. Then add 5 to 6 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well. Refrigerate or add a few ice cubes. Pour into glasses and add fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!