Fresh Blueberry and Mint Lemonade

Makes about 2 quarts

Recipe from The Lemonade Cookbook via Joy the Baker 

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

When you are wanting to drink something refreshing, summery, a bit sweet, a bit tart, and  pretty to look at, then this is what you need to make.  Sip or gulp, you’ll not be able to help smacking your lips and saying “Aaaah!”  I started with ½ cup of sugar and added about a tablespoon more because I like my lemonade to be a bit tart.  It’s best to start with less and then add more because you can’t remove it once it’s in there ;-) This recipe is pretty flexible.  You can find all the ingredients at Lost River Market & Deli, our community-owned grocery store.

2 cups fresh blueberries (frozen will also work)

1 cup (or one big handful) mint leaves (I used spearmint, but other mints would work too.)

1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (I used four lemons because that’s what I had on hand.  They made about 1 cup of juice.)

½ to 1 cup granulated sugar

4 to 5 cups water

In a blender add blueberries, mint, lemon juice, and granulated sugar.  Blend until smooth and deep purple.  The mixture will look a bit like a smoothie.

Pour mixture into a fine mesh strainer placed over a medium bowl.  Use a spatula to press the liquid through the strainer leaving the blueberry pulp and fresh mint in the strainer.  Discard the pulp.  Pour the blueberry, mint, lemon juice into a pitcher and add water.  Taste and add more water (or sugar?) according to your taste.  Serve chilled.