Layered Blackberry-and-Turmeric Lemonade

5.0

(2)

2 Reviews

This spritzy, summery drink from Julia Momose, bar manager of Oriole in Chicago, is a showstopper with its distinct pink and yellow layers. It's also incredibly versatile: Swap in raspberries or strawberries for the blackberries, double the recipe for a crowd, or serve the homemade soda and the turmeric-spiked lemonade on their own.

By

Julia Momose

Updated on August 2, 2023

Tested by

Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Layered Blackberry-and-Turmeric Lemonade — Photo: Charles Masters

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 30 mins

Yield:

4 drinks

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wheels for garnish
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 cup blackberries (4 ounces)
Ice
12 ounces seltzer
Thai basil sprigs with flowers, for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring 1/3 cup of the sugar and 1/3 cup of water to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour the simple syrup into a heatproof 1-quart jar and refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes. Add the lemon juice, turmeric and 1 cup of water. Cover and shake to combine.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, gently simmer the blackberries with the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water for 10 minutes, pressing on the berries with the back of a spoon to break them up. Strain the blackberry syrup through a fine sieve set over a small pitcher or measuring cup. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.
To serve, fill 4 collins glasses with ice. Shake the turmeric lemonade once more and divide among the glasses. Whisk the seltzer into the blackberry syrup and pour over the lemonade. Do not mix. Garnish with lemon wheels and Thai basil, if desired; serve immediately.