Description
This Blueberry Rhubarb Lemonade Concentrate is a refreshing and tangy beverage base that combines the sweetness of blueberries and sugar with the tartness of rhubarb and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for summer days, this concentrate can be diluted with water and ice to make a deliciously fruity lemonade with a beautiful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Concentrate Ingredients
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 cups granulated cane sugar
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb (about 1 large stalk)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 10 lemons)
- Additional water for serving
Instructions
- Prepare lemon zest and sugar: Combine the lemon zest and granulated sugar in a large saucepan. Rub them together with your fingers for about 30 seconds to release the lemon’s essential oils, infusing the sugar with vibrant citrus aroma.
- Add fruit and water: Add the fresh blueberries, chopped rhubarb, and 1 1/2 cups of water to the saucepan. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Cook until the fruit softens completely and the mixture becomes juicy and syrupy.
- Strain the concentrate: Remove the saucepan from heat. For easier straining, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then blend briefly and strain through a fine mesh sieve using the back of a spoon to extract maximum juice and flavor while discarding solids.
- Finish with lemon juice: Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the strained concentrate to brighten the flavor and add a zesty tartness.
- Serve the lemonade: To serve, pour about 1/4 cup of the concentrate into a glass. Add 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of cold water depending on your preferred sweetness and tartness balance. Add ice for a chill refreshment and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or the dilution ratio when serving.
- The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a fizzy twist, mix the concentrate with sparkling water instead of still water.
- Use ripe, fresh rhubarb and blueberries for best flavor.
