Blackberry Lemonade is made with ripe summer blackberries, fresh lemon juice, and a bit of sparkling water for a delicious summer drink.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/4 cups sugar, mint leaves, lemon peel, and 1 1/4 cup of water.
Stirring occasionally, simmering until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove from heat and let the sugar syrup cool completely. Discard the lemon peel and mint leaves.
In a blender, puree the fresh blackberries with the remaining 1/4 of sugar.
Press the blackberry puree through a fine mesh sieve and discard solids.
Add the blackberry puree, half of the simple syrup, lemon juice, and water to a large pitcher. Stir and taste, if needed add the rest of the simple syrup.
Chill for at least one hour before serving.