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Looking for a refreshing, colorful twist on classic lemonade? This Blue Raspberry Lemonade is the ultimate summer drink—vibrant, tangy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re mixing up a kid-friendly version for a backyard party or adding a little vodka (hello, Smirnoff!) for an adult gathering, this recipe is your go-to for eye-catching and thirst-quenching fun.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bold, electric blue drink that tastes as good as it looks. It’s perfect for birthdays, BBQs, picnics, pool parties, or any time you want a splash of fun. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to making blue raspberry lemonade that’s not only Instagram-worthy but also full of flavor.
How to make Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vibrant drink:
For the Non-Alcoholic Blue Raspberry Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
Provides the signature tartness of lemonade and balances the sweetness of the syrup. - 1 cup granulated sugar
Adds sweetness to balance the sourness of lemons. You can reduce or substitute for a low-calorie version if needed. - 5 cups cold water
Dilutes the syrup and lemon juice to make the lemonade drinkable and refreshing. - 2 tablespoons blue raspberry drink mix (such as Kool-Aid or Jolly Rancher)
This gives the drink its iconic blue color and tangy, berry flavor. - Ice cubes (as needed)
Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing—essential on a hot day. - Fresh lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Adds a bright, citrusy visual and a little extra flavor. - Fresh raspberries or blueberries (optional)
Elevates presentation and adds natural fruitiness.
For the Boozy Version (Blue Raspberry Lemonade with Smirnoff):
- 1 cup Smirnoff Blue Raspberry Vodka
Infuses the drink with a smooth, alcoholic kick and enhances the raspberry flavor. - Splash of lemon-lime soda (optional)
For extra fizz and brightness if serving immediately.
Note: You can also use plain Smirnoff vodka and increase the blue raspberry mix slightly if the flavored vodka isn’t available.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this blue beauty come to life:
1. Juice the Lemons
- Roll your lemons on the counter to loosen them.
- Cut them in half and squeeze using a citrus juicer or by hand.
- Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp.
- You’ll need about 1 cup of lemon juice, which comes from 4–6 medium lemons.
2. Make a Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.
- Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely (do not boil).
- Let it cool before using—it forms the sweet base of the lemonade.
Pro Tip: This can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Combine the Base
- In a large pitcher, pour in the fresh lemon juice and cooled simple syrup.
- Add 2 tablespoons of blue raspberry drink mix.
- Stir until the powder dissolves completely.
Tip: Adjust the amount of drink mix based on how intense you want the blue raspberry flavor and color to be.
4. Add Water & Mix
- Pour in the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
- Stir well to combine everything into a beautiful blue lemonade.
Want it colder? Use chilled water or add a handful of ice cubes directly into the pitcher.
5. Make It Boozy (Optional)
- If making the adult version, add 1 cup of Smirnoff Blue Raspberry Vodka.
- Stir well and taste—adjust the lemon or sweetness if needed.
6. Serve
- Fill glasses with ice.
- Pour in the lemonade.
- Garnish with lemon slices, fresh berries, or a mint sprig.
Add a splash of lemon-lime soda for bubbles, or rim your glass with sugar and lemon zest for a fancy finish.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Blue Raspberry Lemonade
- Taste and adjust: Everyone’s sweetness preference varies. Taste before serving and add more sugar, lemon juice, or drink mix if needed.
- Use filtered water: It enhances clarity and taste, especially if you’re skipping soda.
- Batch it up: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger parties—just maintain the same ratio.
- Chill before serving: Make the lemonade ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for an hour. The flavors deepen and balance better.
- Add a rim: Dip the edge of your glass in lemon juice, then in sugar for a decorative and tasty touch.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you’re keeping it kid-friendly or spiking it for the grown-ups, here are some awesome ways to serve it:
- Summer BBQs – Serve chilled in mason jars with colorful straws.
- Birthday Parties – Pair it with other colorful drinks or desserts like cupcakes with blue frosting.
- Poolside Treat – Keep it icy cold in a large drink dispenser with floating lemon slices and berries.
- Cocktail Hour – For adults, serve with vodka, a twist of lemon, and a sugar rim.
- Brunch or Brunch Cocktails – Serve in champagne flutes with a splash of soda water for a bubbly version.
Want to get fancy? Freeze some of the lemonade in ice cube trays and use those instead of regular ice—no dilution, just more flavor!
Recipe Variations & Customizations
This Blue Raspberry Lemonade is wonderfully flexible! Here’s how you can easily tweak it to match different moods, seasons, and guest preferences:
1. Frozen Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Blend the prepared lemonade with plenty of ice until smooth and slushy. This frozen version is incredibly refreshing and makes a perfect poolside or beachside drink. Serve in chilled glasses and garnish with a lemon wedge for a frosty treat.
2. Sparkling Blue Raspberry Lemonade
For an extra burst of bubbles, swap half the water in the recipe with club soda or sparkling water. The fizziness adds a lively twist to every sip, making it even more festive for parties and celebrations. Always add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain the best carbonation.
3. Berry Infused
For a naturally fruity upgrade, add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries directly into the pitcher before serving. As they sit, the berries slowly infuse extra flavor into the lemonade, creating juicy little bursts of taste and beautiful visual appeal.
4. Sugar-Free Version
Watching your sugar intake? No problem! Use a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol in place of regular sugar. Also, opt for a sugar-free blue raspberry drink mix. This way, you’ll enjoy the same bold, fruity flavor with fewer calories and a lower glycemic impact.
5. Blue Raspberry Lemonade Punch
Turn your basic lemonade into an epic party punch! Simply mix the lemonade with lemon-lime soda and a splash of pineapple juice for tropical sweetness. Add slices of lemon, lime, and berries into the punch bowl for a colorful and festive display that’s irresistible at gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just stir before serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.
What if I can’t find blue raspberry drink mix?
You can use blue raspberry syrup or snow cone syrup. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Can I use a different vodka?
Absolutely. While Smirnoff Blue Raspberry Vodka enhances the flavor, plain vodka or citrus vodka also work well.
How can I make this for a crowd?
Triple the recipe and serve in a large beverage dispenser or punch bowl. Keep extra ice on the side to avoid dilution.
Substitutes & Ingredient Alternatives
- Lemon Juice → Bottled lemon juice or lime juice (for a tangy twist).
- Sugar → Honey, agave syrup, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia.
- Blue Raspberry Mix → Snow cone syrup, Torani blue raspberry syrup, or homemade berry syrup with blue food coloring.
- Smirnoff Blue Raspberry Vodka → Plain Smirnoff, citrus vodka, or raspberry-flavored vodka.
- Water → Sparkling water, club soda, or coconut water for a tropical spin.
Nutritional Information (Per 1 Glass serving)
Without vodka:
- Calories: ~120
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
With Smirnoff vodka (1 shot per cup):
- Calories: ~190
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Alcohol content: ~12% ABV depending on dilution
Note: Values are approximate and depend on the specific brands used.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or impressing your guests with a colorful cocktail, this Blue Raspberry Lemonade is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s tangy, sweet, and easy to make with simple ingredients—and it can be customized to fit any occasion.
Have you tried this recipe yet? If so, leave a comment and let us know how you made it your own! Add a splash of fun to your next party, or keep a pitcher in the fridge for whenever a craving strikes.
If you love this recipe, check out our other refreshing drinks like Homemade Cowboy Vodka Lemonade Cocktail.
Don’t forget to rate and comment below. Cheers to vibrant sips and sunny vibes!
