This summer has been so very chaotic. I used to have a normal routine for my week and now, I don’t know what normal is anymore!

The thing I’ve missed the most in the rush and mix of things is being in my kitchen. So, I was delighted when a friend handed me some fresh blueberries her daughter picked. Nothing gets my mind moving like a basket of fresh goodness from God’s vines! (I think blueberries are on a bush, but work with me here.)

After eating several handfuls of the dark-blue berries I decided to offer something in return to my friend. But this was a “cleaning” Saturday so it needed to be quick and sweet. Simple Syrup!

Simple Syrup is the start to just about any good sweet beverage and summer is the time for iced cold sweet tea in my home state of North Carolina, and simple syrup is a definite recipe for any girl wanting to DoAhead!

A basic simple syrup recipe is one part sugar and one part water that is heated until the sugar melts. I typically use 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water. You heat together on medium heat in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves and wha-laa!

Simple syrup can be stored in a glass jar in the fridge for up to a week (but you’ll use it up before then!) You can use simple syrup to sweeten anything, but I love it best for all kinds of beverages. Now you’re ready to make your tea!

Simple Southern Blueberry Iced Tea

You’ll need just four ingredients—blueberries, brewed tea, sugar and water. And the amount is easy! 2 cups of each!

Combine 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, 2 cups blueberries over medium heat in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves and the blueberries begin to burst. Let cool and then strain the syrup removing the blueberry skins and seeds. Strain directly over your serving pitcher and you are set to mix with your tea (Any good quality tea bag will work, simply brew according to the package).

Pour over ice and enjoy!

If your simple syrup is done in advance you may use that. If you or your guest like your beverage extra sweet you can always add a bit of your pre-mixed syrup to taste. Now, while you are at it, pour two glasses and invite a friend over. Sweet things are meant to be shared. In fact, that’s where this recipe all started. One friend shared with another!

Now before I rush off to enjoy another glass let me offer a few variations to keep your hot summer cool:

• Instead of blueberries use strawberries or peaches. If you are really adventurous use both at the same time!
• When serving mix half and half with lemonade. It’s a great alternative to the sweetness of the original!
• Mix in a bit of fresh mint. Simply add a ½ cup fresh mint leaves into your simple syrup mixture and strain off just as with the blueberries. Mint also makes a beautiful garnish.
• For gifting to a friend, pour into large mason jars, tie with a pretty ribbon and deliver with a cute stir stick.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did and I hope you mix a batch up to share with a friend! It’s the perfect way to deliver a little joy one jar at a time.

Stay cool and DoAhead!

Your DoAhead Friend,

Jodie