Cocktail hour: spiked blueberry lemonade

The only thing that would make this recipe more delicious is alcohol.

Here’s a sweet treat to sip while watching Fourth of July fireworks, enjoying a family picnic or simply relaxing on a hot summer afternoon.

Ingredients:
2 cups blueberries
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups water (for a fizzy twist, add sparkling water)
Alcohol (optional): some to try include vodka, gin or fruit-based liquers
Yields: 1 quart 

Directions: Taste one of the blueberries to determine its sweetness. In a blender or food processor, combine the blueberries and the sugar (either 1/2 or 3/4 cup depending on your taste-test). Puree fruit with the sugar. Strain the puree into a medium bowl, stirring and pushing on the puree to maximize the juice. Pour into a 32-ounce container, then add the lemon juice and the water. Stir to combine. Check for sweetness adding superfine-sugar if needed. Serve in ice-filled glasses. — Recipe excerpted from Lemonade (Harvard Commons Press), by Fred Thompson.
That tasty blueberry lemonade photo is from elizadomestica.com. For a few simple variations of this refreshing treat, check out Eliza's suggestions HERE.

For more sips, snacks and festive ideas to celebrate summer, look inside the July 1 issue of USA WEEKEND Magazine in the Sandusky Register.

Do you have a delicious summer cocktail recipe you'd like to share? Email us at editor@funcoast.com. We'll pick our favorites and feature them in upcoming Cocktail Hour features.
Thirsty for more? Check out our past Cocktail Hour features HERE.