Sparkling Star-Spangled Berry Lemonade with Blueberry Ice

The day before, drop a few blueberries into each compartment of an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze to make festive berry ice.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups chilled sparkling water
• 1 tray of ice cube molds
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. The day before, drop a few blueberries into each compartment of an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze to make festive berry ice.
2. Make a simple syrup by simmering the sugar and water until dissolved, then let it cool.
3. Puree the strawberries with a splash of the simple syrup and strain to remove the seeds.
4. In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice, strawberry puree and the remaining simple syrup, stirring well.
5. Fill four tall glasses with the blueberry ice cubes.
6. Divide the strawberry lemonade base among the glasses, filling them about two-thirds full.
7. Top each with chilled sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
8. Garnish with fresh mint, a lemon slice and a few floating berries, then serve right away.
9. This alcohol-free cooler lets everyone at the cookout join the toast, with frozen blueberries doing double duty as garnish and slow-melting ice that keeps the drink crisp. Sparkling berry lemonades capture the essence of an American summer afternoon, and the red, white and blue palette makes them a natural centerpiece for Independence Day gatherings of all ages.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 33g
• Sodium: 10mg