There’s nothing quite like the first sip of homemade Blue Raspberry Lemonade on a sweltering summer day! That stunning electric blue color catches your eye, while the perfect balance of sweet berry and tart lemon dances on your taste buds. This isn’t just another drink recipe—it’s a conversation starter, a party showstopper, and quite possibly the most Instagram-worthy beverage you’ll make all season.
I discovered this recipe during a backyard gathering when I needed something special that both kids and adults would love. The reactions were immediate: wide eyes, delighted smiles, and the inevitable question, “How did you make this?” Today, I’m sharing all my secrets with you!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes Blue Raspberry Lemonade truly special is its versatility and visual impact. Unlike store-bought versions loaded with artificial everything, this homemade version lets you control the sweetness while still delivering that magical blue hue naturally (thanks to butterfly pea flower tea).
The flavor profile is what really shines here—it’s not just about the color. The raspberry adds depth to the classic lemonade, creating layers of flavor that evolve as you drink. It’s refreshing without being overly sweet, and the citrus brightness cuts through the berry notes perfectly.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, need a stunning non-alcoholic option at parties, or just want to elevate your everyday hydration game, this recipe delivers both style and substance. Plus, it’s infinitely customizable—make it fizzy, freeze it into popsicles, or add a splash of something stronger for the adults!
Equipment needed: Pitcher, juicer or citrus reamer, fine mesh strainer, measuring cups, wooden spoon
Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice approximately 6-8 lemons
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups cold water divided
- 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers for natural blue color or 1 tablespoon blue spirulina powder
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh lemon slices and whole raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the blue tea base by steeping the butterfly pea flowers in 2 cups of hot (not boiling) water for about 5-7 minutes until you achieve a deep blue color. Strain and set aside to cool completely.
- Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Create the raspberry puree by blending the raspberries with honey until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, pressing with a spoon to extract all the juice.
- Combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup in a large pitcher and stir well.
- Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the lemon mixture and stir to combine.
- Gently pour in the blue tea and watch the magic happen as the acidic lemon juice transforms the color into a beautiful blue-purple hue.
- Fold in the strained raspberry puree using a wooden spoon, creating beautiful swirls of color throughout the lemonade.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve over ice with fresh lemon slices and whole raspberries as garnish for a picture-perfect presentation.
Notes
- For a fizzy version, substitute half the water with chilled sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
- The natural blue color comes from the butterfly pea flower’s reaction with acid—the more lemon juice, the more purple it becomes!
- Freeze leftover lemonade in ice cube trays to add to water or iced tea later.
- For a stronger raspberry flavor, double the raspberry puree amount.
- This lemonade can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per 8 oz serving
- Sugars: 25g per serving (can be reduced by using less sugar)
- Vitamin C: 35% of daily recommended intake
- Allergen notes: Free from common allergens; vegan-friendly
- Dietary suitability: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan (with maple syrup instead of honey)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bottled lemon juice – The flavor profile simply can’t compare to fresh-squeezed lemons, which provide both brightness and complexity essential to this recipe.
- Boiling the butterfly pea flowers – This can make the tea bitter and diminish the vibrant blue color. Use hot but not boiling water.
- Not straining the raspberry puree – Those tiny seeds can create an unpleasant texture in the smooth lemonade.
- Adding blue coloring to lemon juice directly – The acidic reaction happens immediately, so add the blue tea to the already-diluted lemonade for the best color development.
- Over-stirring after adding raspberries – The beautiful swirled effect disappears with too much mixing, resulting in a uniform purple rather than the striking blue with raspberry streaks.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Sugar alternatives: Replace granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener for a different flavor profile or lower glycemic impact.
- Blue coloring options: If you can’t find butterfly pea flowers, use blue spirulina powder or a few drops of natural blue food coloring.
- Berry variations: Blackberries or blueberries can replace raspberries for a different berry profile while maintaining the beautiful color contrast.
- Adult version: Add 1.5 oz of vodka, white rum, or gin per glass for a spiked variation.
- Herbal infusions: Add fresh mint, basil, or lavender during the cooling phase for an aromatic twist.
FAQs
Where can I find butterfly pea flowers?
Look for butterfly pea flowers at specialty tea shops, health food stores, or online retailers. They’ve become increasingly popular for natural food coloring. If you can’t find them, blue spirulina powder is a good alternative that’s often available at health food stores.
Can I make this drink ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, but keep the ice separate until serving. For the most vibrant presentation, consider adding the raspberry puree just before guests arrive so the swirl effect is fresh and dramatic.
Why didn’t my lemonade turn blue?
The color transformation depends on pH levels. If your lemonade is too acidic (too much lemon), it might turn more purple than blue. Try adding the blue tea last and in small increments until you achieve your desired color.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Yes! Start with half the sugar in the simple syrup and adjust to taste. The raspberries and natural sweetness of the lemons provide flavor that doesn’t rely entirely on added sugar.
Can I use frozen lemons for this recipe?
Fresh lemons work best for maximum juice extraction and flavor, but in a pinch, thawed frozen lemon juice will work. Avoid bottled lemon juice as it lacks the brightness and aromatic qualities that make this lemonade special.
Final Thoughts
This Blue Raspberry Lemonade isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience that brings joy through both flavor and visual delight. Whether you’re serving it at your next gathering or simply treating yourself to something special on a sunny afternoon, this vibrant concoction proves that a little kitchen creativity can transform even the most classic refreshments into something extraordinary. Happy mixing!
