Firecracker Berry Vodka Lemonade with Layered Red and Blue

Make a strawberry syrup by simmering the strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water until soft, then mash and strain, and chill.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup water, divided
• 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups cold water
• 6 ounces vodka
• Crushed ice
• Fresh berries and lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Make a strawberry syrup by simmering the strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water until soft, then mash and strain, and chill.
2. Repeat with the blueberries, the remaining sugar and water, to make a blue-purple berry syrup, then strain and chill.
3. Stir together the lemon juice and cold water to make a base lemonade, then mix in the vodka.
4. Fill four tall glasses with crushed ice.
5. Pour a layer of the red strawberry syrup into the bottom of each glass.
6. Slowly pour the lemonade over the back of a spoon to create a pale middle layer without disturbing the red.
7. Gently spoon the blue berry syrup on top so it settles into a third band of color.
8. Garnish with fresh berries and a lemon slice, and serve with a straw so guests can stir the layers together.
9. Layered drinks are a festive party trick that turns a simple lemonade into a showstopper, and the red-white-and-blue banding is tailor-made for Independence Day celebrations. Fresh-squeezed lemonade has been an American summer staple since the 1800s, and dressing it up with berry syrups keeps the spirit of the season front and center.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 29g
• Sodium: 5mg