Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade

The polar vortex has passed and the temperatures have climbed again.  Time for a refreshing drink to celebrate on the deck.

Sparkling Blackberry Lemonade

5 lemons
1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
2 cups water
1 3/4 cups sugar

2 1/2 cups sparkling water

Juice the lemons and set aside.  In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, the sugar and blackberries.  Cook until sugar has dissolved and berries have softened.  Strain the mixture into the lemon juice, push some of the blackberry pulp through the sieve.  Stir together and chill.  Before serving, pour in the 2 1/2 cups of sparkling water.