There is something magical about a tall glass of cold lemonade on a hot day. It’s the official taste of summer, right? But what if I told you that you could capture that sunshine in a jar? You can have it ready to go for any occasion, from a quiet afternoon on the porch to a big backyard barbecue.
We are talking about a homemade blueberry lemonade concentrate. This isn’t just any lemonade. It’s a vibrant, sweet, and tangy concoction that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a fantastic make ahead drink that saves you time and effort when you need a refreshing drink fast.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? First off, this recipe is incredibly simple. You don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills. If you can boil water, you can make this amazing lemonade concentrate.
It’s also a huge time saver. Imagine having a delicious, homemade party drink ready in your pantry. Just mix with water, and you are good to go. No more last minute squeezing of lemons when guests are arriving.
The flavor is just out of this world. The sweet blueberries and tart lemons create a perfect balance. It’s a truly refreshing drink that tastes so much better than anything you can buy in a store. It’s pure, simple goodness.
Plus, making a big batch is budget friendly. You can take advantage of blueberry season or use frozen berries to enjoy this treat all year long. It’s a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to get started. The list is short and sweet, just like the final product!
- 6 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups fresh or bottled lemon juice (use bottled for canning)
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 1 package powdered pectin (optional, for a thicker concentrate)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Combine Blueberries and Water
First things first, grab a large pot or stockpot. Pour in your 6 cups of blueberries and 4 cups of water. It doesn’t matter if the berries are fresh or frozen for this step, which is great for making this year round.
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Give it a little stir to get everything acquainted. Your goal here is to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Simmer and Strain
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll see the blueberries start to pop and release their beautiful, deep purple juice. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Now it’s time to strain. Place a fine mesh strainer or a few layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Carefully pour the blueberry mixture through it. Use the back of a spoon to gently press on the solids to get all that wonderful juice out. You can discard the leftover pulp.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
Pour that gorgeous, strained blueberry juice back into your pot. Now add the 4 cups of lemon juice and 6 cups of sugar. Stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is the heart of your lemonade concentrate.
If you are using pectin for a slightly thicker concentrate, now is the time to stir it in. Just follow the directions on the pectin package. It’s totally optional but can give the final drink a nice body.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat back up and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This is a boil that doesn’t stop when you stir it. Let it cook at this rolling boil for about 1 to 2 minutes. This helps everything meld together and thicken up just a bit.
Step 5: Prepare for Canning
This is where we get everything ready for long term storage. Ladle the hot blueberry lemonade concentrate into your clean, sterilized jars. Make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Run a small spatula or bubble remover tool around the inside of the jars to release any trapped air bubbles. Then, wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth. This ensures a good seal. Place the lids on and tighten the bands until they are just fingertip tight.
Step 6: Process in a Water Bath
Carefully place your sealed jars into a boiling water canner. The water should cover the jars by at least one inch. Bring the water back to a boil and process the jars for 15 minutes. Remember to adjust the time if you live at a high altitude.
Step 7: Cool and Check Seals
Once the processing time is up, turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars. Place them on a towel on your counter and let them cool, completely undisturbed, for 12 to 24 hours. You might hear satisfying little ‘ping’ sounds as the jars seal!
After they have cooled, check the seals. The lids should be firm and not flex when you press on the center. If any jars didn’t seal, just pop them in the fridge and use them within a few weeks.
How To Store Leftovers
Properly sealed jars of your blueberry lemonade concentrate can be stored for up to a year. Find a cool, dark place for them, like a pantry or a cupboard. It’s like having a secret stash of summer ready whenever you need it.
Once you open a jar, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh in there for a few weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your delicious homemade lemonade. Just give it a good shake before you use it.
Tips
For the best and safest results when canning, always use bottled lemon juice. Its acidity level is consistent, which is super important for preventing bacteria growth. Fresh lemons can vary in acidity, so it’s better to be safe!
Don’t be tempted to reduce the amount of lemon juice or sugar in the recipe if you plan on canning it. These ingredients are crucial for preservation. The concentrate is supposed to be strong; you will dilute it later to make the final easy drink.
When it’s time to serve, the classic mix is one part concentrate to one part cold water. But feel free to adjust it to your taste! Some people like a stronger lemonade, others prefer it milder. You can also mix it with sparkling water for a fun, fizzy treat.
This concentrate isn’t just for making a summer drink. You can drizzle it over ice cream, use it as a syrup for pancakes, or even mix it into cocktails. Get creative with it!
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, no fuss way to create a delicious blueberry lemonade concentrate that will brighten any day. It’s a fantastic project for a lazy afternoon and so rewarding when you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
This recipe is more than just a drink; it’s a way to create memories. It’s the perfect party drink for gatherings and a wonderful homemade gift. So go ahead, give it a try and fill your pantry with a little bit of liquid sunshine. You’ll be so glad you did.
FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Berry?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries would all be fantastic. You might need to adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Do I Have to Use Pectin?
Nope, the pectin is completely optional. It just helps to create a slightly thicker, more syrupy concentrate. If you leave it out, your lemonade concentrate will be a bit thinner, but it will still taste just as delicious.
How Do I Serve This Lemonade Concentrate?
The standard way is to mix one part concentrate with one part cold water. For a bubbly twist, use sparkling water or club soda. You can also add it to iced tea for a fruity Arnold Palmer. Garnish with fresh mint and a lemon slice for a fancy touch.
Why Is Bottled Lemon Juice Recommended for Canning?
Bottled lemon juice has a standardized and reliable acidity level, which is critical for safe canning. The acid prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. The acidity of fresh lemons can vary widely, making them less safe for long term shelf stable preserving.
“`htmlBlueberry Lemonade Concentrate
Capture the taste of summer with this easy, make-ahead blueberry lemonade concentrate. Perfect for parties or a refreshing drink anytime!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 6 cups blueberries and 4 cups water in a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract juice. Discard pulp.
- Return the blueberry juice to the pot. Stir in 4 cups lemon juice and 6 cups sugar until dissolved. If using, stir in pectin according to package directions.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Ladle the hot concentrate into clean, sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims, place lids, and tighten bands fingertip tight.
- Process jars in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude).
- Carefully remove jars and let cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals.
Notes
For safe canning, always use bottled lemon juice due to its consistent acidity. Fresh lemons can vary.
Do not reduce lemon juice or sugar if canning; they are crucial for preservation. The concentrate is meant to be strong.
To serve, mix one part concentrate with one part cold water. Adjust to your taste or use sparkling water for a fizzy drink.
This concentrate is versatile! Drizzle over ice cream, use as a pancake syrup, or add to cocktails.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
