Homemade Raspberry Seltzer

Nine times out of ten, seltzer water is my drink of choice. Other than regular water, I don't really drink anything else other than seltzer water. To be honest, I would rather save my calories and sugar intake for a cookie or a cupcake. And there is nothing more refreshing than a cold glass of seltzer water, especially during the hot summer months.

I first tried this Homemade Raspberry Seltzer at a recent visit to Flour Bakery, one of my very favorite bakeries in Boston. Not only do they make the best croissants and other pastries, but their Homemade Raspberry Seltzer has quickly become one of my favorite things on their menu. It is light and refreshing, not to mention perfectly sweet from the raspberry-infused syrup. When I came across the recipe in Flour's new cookbook, I knew I had to try making it at home. It is so easy to make and just as good as I remember it being at the bakery. This drink has definitely earned a spot in my seltzer rotation and I can't wait to experiment with other flavor combinations in the future.

Homemade Raspberry Seltzer
Recipe from Flour, Too by Joanne Chang

1 cup fresh raspberries
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/4 cups seltzer water for each drink

In a small saucepan set above high heat, combine the fresh raspberries, granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until all of the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and let steep for 1 hour.

Transfer the raspberry mixture to a blender and puree. Strain the mixture through a sieve placed over a bowl in order to remove the raspberry seeds. Add the lemon juice and lime juice. Stir until combined.

For each drink, add 3 tablespoons of raspberry syrup to the bottom of a tall glass. Fill the glass with ice and then add 1 1/4 cups seltzer water. Stir until combined and serve immediately.