Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 cup white sugar

1 cup water

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

2 cups ice

4 cups sparkling water

Mint leaves for garnish

Optional: Vodka

Instructions:
Combine blueberries, lemon zest, sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a gradual boil over medium heat. Simmer until sugar is melted and blueberries are starting to burst. About 6 - 8 minutes.
Remove saucepan from stove and strain the blueberry mixture through a fine sieve. Allow syrup to completely cool.
Squeeze lemons to get 1 cup of juice. I used a citrus juicer which made the job quick and easier! It allowed me to get every drop of juice out of the lemons which resulted in minimum waste.
In a large jug or bowl stir together blueberry syrup with ice cubes. Add sparkling water and vodka if desired.
Pour out single servings and garnish with fresh mint. Enjoy!