Our blackberry bush is bursting with berries this time of year! There's nothing better than using fresh fruit from your own backyard! It's so rewarding to see your hard work pay off. I like to try different recipes and this year we stumbled upon this refreshing recipe for blackberry lemonade. This recipe from Smells Like Home is the perfect way to use up your bounty of berries. It' refreshing, easy to make, and a beautiful vibrant color!

INGREDIENTS

For the blackberry syrup

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups water

9 oz blackberries, roughly chopped

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the lemonade

4 cups water, divided

2 cups sugar

2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 12 lemons)

1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 limes)

To garnish (optional)

Fresh mint

Extra blackberries

Lemon slices

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the blackberry syrup: In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar as the water heat. Boil for 5 minutes. 

2. Add the vanilla and blackberries to the pot. Let steep for 30 minutes, smashing them up a little with a fork after they have started to soften. With a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl, strain out the blackberries. 

3. Return liquid to pot (discard the blackberries) and return the heat to medium-high. Boil for about 15 minutes, until the syrup has reduced by half. 

4. Let the syrup cool for a few minutes and then transfer it to a 16 oz (or larger) glass bottle or jar. Refrigerate until ready to use. The syrup will thicken a little more as it cools and it will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 

5. To make the lemonade: In a medium saucepan, bring the sugar and 2 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar as the water heats. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool to room temperature, and pour the simple syrup into a jar. Refrigerate until ready to use. This can be done up to 1 month in advance. 

6. Stir the lemon juice, lime juice, the remaining 2 cups of water, and the simple syrup together in a pitcher. 

7. To assemble: Fill your glasses with ice. pour 3 tbsp of blackberry syrup over the ice and then fill the glass with lemonade. Serve with a sprig of fresh mint, some extra blackberries, and lemon wedges, if desired.