Refreshing Blackberry Lemonade

The lazy days of summer are slowly dwindling, and it's definitely starting to show signs of cooler weather here in Northern California.

Who am I kidding - it's perfect weather here all the time, and it never really got over 90 degrees with no humidity this summer! :) I LOVE the weather here.

This lemonade takes me back to my summer's in high school when I spent 8 weeks doing a mission's trip in Mexico, and I would get Agua Fresca from the street vendor's and my favorite restaurant "The Hill" - so aptly nicknamed because it was in fact, on a hill.

Agua Fresca is just fresh fruit juice mixed with sugar and water - and they have awesome flavors like mango, watermelon, strawberry, and even cinnamon.

This lemonade is so super refreshing, and perfect for an afternoon get together with friends, serving at a barbecue, or at a fancy evening dinner party.

It's easy enough to not overwhelm you, but good enough for people to think you did something amazing - which you did! :)

It's a great way to use up those awesome summer berries that are starting to be on sale since it's getting close to the end of the summer. i.e. I got my blackberries on sale for buy one get one free!!

** Don't forget to enter the CSN giveaway. Tomorrow's the LAST DAY!!! **

FRESH BLACKBERRY LEMONADE (From: Love and Olive Oil)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup raw or cane sugar

3 cups water (divided)

2 cups blackberries

3 lemons, juiced

Ice

Directions:

In a microwave safe container, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Heat on high for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir until sugar is dissolved. (You can do this on the stove by bringing the water to a boil and dissolving the sugar over medium heat - but microwave method is much quicker!) Set aside and allow to cool.

Meanwhile, juice the lemons, and in a large bowl or pitcher, muddle the blackberries with the lemon juice until very smooshed! :)

**Don't laugh at me using a garlic press to muddle my berries - I don't really have a "muddler" - so in other words - use whatever you got!**

Pour in sugar syrup, remaining 2 cups water, and a few ice cubes and stir. I used my awesome Pampered Chef pitcher that has a mixer built in!

Pour over a glass of ice (you can strain the blackberry pulp - my pitcher got most of it, but I liked having a little in there). Garnish with a sprig of mint or lemon!