Raspberry Simple Syrup and Raspberry Lemonade Recipe

Berry season is in full swing in Elgin! Delicious ripe Strawberries, Raspberries and Blueberries are available at Farmers' Markets across the county. Head to Empire Valley Farm Market, Berry Hill Fruit Farm, Howe Family Farm Market or the Horton Farmers' Market to pick up some raspberries and try the following recipe to cool you down during this intense heat wave! 



Ingredients:
3/4 cup of white sugar,
3/4 cup of water,
1 1/2 cups of fresh local raspberries,
Juice of 3-4 lemons


1. The first step is to create the Raspberry Simple Syrup.

2. Mix sugar, water and raspberries together in a small sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until the first bubbles of a simmer appear.

3. Turn down the stove to medium/low and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Take off and let cool before using a strainer to get rid of the raspberry seeds. The mixture should be liquid. 

5. Pour into a jar or container. The mixture can be stored up to one week when refrigerated. This syrup can be poured over ice cream or added to a variety of beverages (it tastes just like liquid jam).

6. Squeeze the juice out of 3-4 lemons into a pitcher. 

7. Add 1/2 cup of simple syrup and stir.

8. Fill the remaining space in the pitcher with cold water. Stir. Taste to determine if a bit more sugar is needed.

Voila! Fresh Squeezed local raspberry lemonade!