Good morning and happy Friday friends! 

Ugh, I sound like a radio host, my apologies.  Let me try that again.  It's Friday and it happens to be a very special Friday because, it marks the beginning of a new weekly post that I'll be sharing throughout this Summer.

The Summer weeks are more leisurely to be sure, but come Friday I'm still tired and in great need of a treat.  Cue Thirsty Fridays.  Each week I'll be sharing with you a new drink recipe that promises all the refreshment and simple drinkable happiness your Friday demands.

Lets begin!  I'm a big limeade fan.  I'm not talking about the kind that they sell at the supermarket, I'm talking about the limeade that is served with tons of ice and has a whole sliced lime resting at the bottom.  

This limeade is enhanced by the charming fragrance of mint and the sweetness of blackberries. It tastes like summer and it's incredibly refreshing.  It's not overly sweet either, which I like, but you could definitely up the sugar a bit if you care to.  This isn't puff pastry -- just adjust as you like. 

Don't forget to slice a few limes for garnishing later on.  I like my drinks to be as lovely as they are delicious.  

Our tart lime juice is toned down with a bit of water and sweetened with a super simple mint syrup.  

Blackberries are pureed into a lightly sweetened syrup and glasses are filled with ice.  

Berries are like culinary gemstones. I'm truly astonished at the beauty of each and every one. 

In goes our very fresh and very simple blackberry purée. 

Okay, let's talk about pulp for a moment.  I'm not in the habit of demanding perfectly clear liquids.  I like pulp in my drink, it makes me know that I'm drinking something fresh, not a manufactured concentrate.  However, I've heard that some of you out there don't dig seeds or lime pulp in your drink.  Okay, I respect it, and you can still partake of this limeade scene. Just be sure to run your lime juice, mint syrup and blackberry purée through a fine-mesh strainer before you assemble. 

Top with your bright, minty limeade and we are done!

Make it pretty with a slice of lime and some sprigs of fresh mint.  Perfection! 

It's sweet, it's tart, and it screams of Summer.  

Another thing I love about this drink is that all the components can be made hours, or even a day in advance, and then quickly assembled when you're ready to serve. Weekend parties? I've got you covered.

Happy Friday! 

Sincerely, 

   Pedantic Foodie

Blackberry Mint Limeade 

serves 4 

for the mint syrup 

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 
• 10 fresh mint leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup filtered water 

In a small bowl combine sugar and mint leaves.  Use the tines of a fork to press the mint into the sugar.  Allow to sit for about 15 minutes so that the oils from the mint can permeate the sugar. 

In a small saucepan combine mint sugar and water, and place over medium high heat.  Stirring often, cook until the sugar has dissolved and a light syrup has come together, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow to cool while you prepare the remaining components. 

for the blackberry puree 

• 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries 
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 

In the work bowl of your food processor combine blackberries and sugar.  Pulse several times, until the blackberries are completely smooth. 

limeade and assembly 

• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 
• 2/3 cup mint syrup 
• 1 1/2 cups filtered water 
• blackberry puree 
• fresh blackberries, mint, and lime slices, for garnish 
• ice 

In a large pitcher combine lime juice, mint syrup, and water.  Stir to combine.  Fill each glass with ice and several fresh blackberries.  Fill about 1/3 of the glass with blackberry puree and top with limeade.  Garnish with fresh mint and a slice of lime and serve immediately.  Enjoy!