Non-Alcoholic
20130204-239710-blueberry-lime-rickey.jpg

[Photograph: Autumn Giles]

The pretty purple hue of this soda comes from a simple homemade blueberry syrup.

About the Author: Autumn Giles is a writer in Queens, NY. You can see her work on www.autumnmakesanddoes.com.

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About This Recipe

Yield: 1 soda, enough blueberry syrup for 6 sodas
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Special equipment: fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth

Ingredients

  • For the Blueberry Syrup:
  • 8 ounces (a scant 2 cups) frozen blueberries
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
  •  
  • For Each Soda:
  • 1/4 cup blueberry syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice from 1 lime
  • 8 ounces seltzer
  • Ice

Procedures

  1. For the Blueberry Syrup: Combine the blueberries and water in a small saucepan over low heat until soft enough to smash easily with the back of a spatula, about 5 minutes. Carefully mash the blueberries with a potato masher until none remain whole. Increase the heat to medium and keep the mixture at a steady simmer for 8 minutes, stirring frequently. While the blueberries cook, place the sugar in a large heatproof bowl. Line a fine mesh sieve with cheesecloth and place it over the bowl. Carefully pour the blueberry mixture into the sieve and allow it to drip until the dripping becomes intermittent, about 5 minutes. Lift up the sieve and stir the syrup until the sugar is dissolved. Place the sieve back on the bowl and allow to drip until the dripping stops, about 5 minutes longer. Save the solids for another use. Let the syrup cool to room temperature and refrigerate.

  2. For the Soda: Combine blueberry syrup, lime juice, and seltzer. Stir to combine, top with ice to fill, and serve immediately.