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American·Beverage

Red, White & Blueberry Lemonade

A vibrant twist on classic state fair lemonade, using the 'oleo saccharum' technique to extract maximum flavor from fresh strawberries, blueberries, and lemon zest.

Prep

15m

Cook

5m

Total

380m

Serves

8

Method

  1. 01

    Place the halved strawberries and blueberries in a large bowl with about half of the white sugar. Use a potato masher to briefly smash the fruit until the blueberries are broken open and the juices are released.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:23
  2. 02

    Using a sharp vegetable peeler, remove the yellow zest from 6 lemons in wide strips, taking care not to include any bitter white pith. Add the zest to the berry mixture along with the remaining sugar and stir thoroughly to combine.

    Step 2
    Watch · 1:05
  3. 03

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours. This 'oleo saccharum' process allows the sugar to draw out the fragrant oils from the zest and juices from the fruit.

    Step 3
    Watch · 2:15
  4. 04

    Pour 5 cups of boiling water over the fruit and sugar mixture. Stir to combine, then turn off the heat and let it steep for about 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.

    Step 4
    Watch · 3:05
  5. 05

    Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher. Press lightly on the fruit to extract the liquid, but do not force solids through. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

    Step 5
    Watch · 3:41
  6. 06

    Squeeze the juice from the 6 zested lemons (and more if needed) and stir it into the cooled syrup. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice if desired. Transfer to a pitcher and chill in the refrigerator until ice-cold.

    Step 6
    Watch · 4:11
  7. 07

    Serve the chilled lemonade in glasses filled with ice. Garnish with additional fresh berries if desired.

    Step 7
    Watch · 5:00

From Chef John

  • “If you see any white, this drink will not be ripe.”
  • “This process is called oleosacum, which means oily sugar. And it really is the secret to producing a perfect lemonade.”
  • “One of the best parts of the experience is that ice on lip contact, which is way more refreshing and bracing.”