Step 1: Juice the Lemons:

Begin by juicing the lemons. Roll the lemons on a countertop to soften them, then cut them in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the juice. Aim for about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, which typically requires 6-8 lemons depending on their size and juiciness. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp for a smoother lemonade.

Step 2: Prepare the Simple Syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a simple syrup, which ensures the sugar is evenly distributed in the lemonade without any grainy texture. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Cooling the syrup before adding it to the lemonade prevents it from melting the ice and diluting the drink.

Step 3: Mix the Lemonade Base:

In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and blue raspberry syrup. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The blue raspberry syrup will add a vibrant blue color to the mixture, enhancing the visual appeal of the lemonade.

Step 4: Add Water and Adjust Color:

Pour the remaining 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher. Stir well to combine. At this point, assess the color of the lemonade. If you desire a more intense blue hue, add blue food coloring, starting with a few drops at a time. Stir after each addition to achieve the preferred shade of blue. Be cautious not to add too much food coloring, as it can alter the taste.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust:

The most crucial step is to taste the lemonade and adjust the flavors according to your preferences. If it's too tart, add more simple syrup or sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired sweetness. If it's too sweet, add a little more lemon juice to balance the flavors. If the lemonade is too strong, add more water to dilute it to your liking.