Lemon Blackberry Spritzer

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 3/4 cups sugar + 1 tablespoon
• 1 cups blackberries
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups (16 oz.) seltzer water, chilled
• Lemon slices and blackberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Make simple syrup – In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3/4 cups sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

2. Make blackberry puree – In a blender, combine blackberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar. Blend until pureed. Press blackberry puree through a fine mesh sieve and discard solids.

3. Make lemonade – In a large pitcher combine the blackberry puree with the chilled syrup, lemon juice, chilled seltzer, and water.  Stir well. Serve over ice and garnish with sliced lemons and blackberries.