Blackberry Limeade

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenelle McCulloch - Pubished in Summer 2025

This vibrant limeade is a refreshing blend of tart lime and ripe blackberries. It’s the ideal balance of citrus and sweetness, making it a crisp, cooling drink for any time of day.

INGREDIENTS

(Makes one large pitcher)

3 cups fresh blackberries or unsweetened frozen blackberries

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp grated lime zest

6 cardamom pods

½ tsp juniper berries, dried

1 cup water

¾ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-6 limes)

3 cups water or sparkling water

Thin lime slices and blackberries for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

MAKE THE BLACKBERRY SYRUP:

In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, lime zest, cardamom, juniper berries and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the berries break down and release their juices.

Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the berries to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids and let the syrup cool completely.

PREPARE THE LIMEADE:

In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, blackberry syrup and cold water or sparkling water. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more water if necessary.

Fill glasses with ice and pour in the blackberry limeade. Garnish with fresh blackberries and lime slices.

Tip: For a sparkling version, substitute part of the water with chilled sparkling water just before serving. OH