Blueberry Lemonade with Fresh Stevia Leaves

You might of noticed a fresh herb trend on my blog lately thanks to my new herb garden (yes, it's still alive I am capable). Among the herbs was the familar stevia leaf which is the main ingredient in the new no calorie sweetener Stevia if you chew on one of the raw leaves it tastes just like sweet sugar, it's weird but awesome. I have been thinking about what to do with this herb for months when suddenly blueberry lemonade came to mind. I had recently picked up some tasty local blueberries and with this intense summer heat, nothing quite cools you down like an ice cold glass of lemonade.

The base of this drink is a blueberry syrup so this beautiful blue/purple color you're seeing here is completely natural. It's also super easy to make AND it would make a good 4th of July beverage. I personally prefer flavored lemonade because it cuts that intense acidity and adds additional sweetness.

Blueberry Lemonade with Fresh Stevia Leaves

2/3 cup sugar (more or less, depending on how sweet you would like it - this left it mildly sweet)
1 heaping cup fresh blueberries
juice of 2 large lemons (or about 3/4 cup)
fresh stevia leaves
1 cup water

Method:

1.To make the blueberry simple syrup, combine sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Stir in blueberries and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until blueberries have broken down, about 3-4 minutes.

2.Strain blueberry mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve; let cool (I put mine in an ice bath). In a large pitcher, whisk together blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice and 4 cups water. Place in the refrigerator until chilled.

3.Serve over Stevia ice (ice cubes with stevia leaves) and frozen blueberries, if desired.