Lavender Lemonade Recipe

Lavender Lemonade is a refreshing and fragrant twist on the classic lemonade, combining the bright tang of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the calming, floral notes of lavender. This drink is perfect for a hot summer day or as a delightful, elegant beverage to serve at a gathering. The lavender syrup infuses the lemonade with a subtle sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a crisp, tart balance. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy a cool and refreshing drink!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lavender Lemonade is a beautifully aromatic and refreshing drink that offers both the calming qualities of lavender and the bright, zesty taste of lemon. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy unique, fragrant beverages. The homemade lavender syrup is easy to prepare and makes the lemonade stand out, turning a simple drink into something special. The addition of lemon slices and lavender sprigs as garnish adds an elegant touch, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 1 small handful freshly picked and rinsed lavender flowers, or 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups cold water, plus more as needed
• Ice
• Thinly sliced lemons and a few lavender sprigs, for optional garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Lavender Flowers

Cut the lavender flowers from the stems (no need to strip the flowers from the stems) and place them in a medium bowl. Tip: Avoid using a Pyrex bowl as it can crack when exposed to boiling water.

Step 2: Make the Lavender Simple Syrup

Pour 1 cup of sugar over the lavender flowers. Use your (clean) fingers to gently rub the flowers into the sugar, releasing the lavender oils.

Next, pour 2 cups of boiling water over the lavender sugar and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Cover the bowl and let it infuse for 30 minutes. For a more robust lavender flavor, you can let it steep for several hours.

Step 3: Strain the Simple Syrup

Strain the lavender-infused simple syrup into a serving carafe or pitcher, removing the lavender flowers. Discard the flowers or save them for another use.

Step 4: Make the Lemonade to Taste

Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and then add 2 cups of cold water. Taste the lemonade and adjust for tartness. If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice; if it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar.

You can also add more cold water or ice to adjust the concentration and temperature of the lemonade to your liking.

Step 5: Serve

Add ice to the pitcher, along with more cold water if needed. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with thinly sliced lemons and a few sprigs of lavender.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 6 servings
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Infusion Time: 30 minutes (or longer if you prefer a stronger lavender flavor)
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including infusion time)

Variations

• Sweetness: If you prefer your lemonade sweeter, you can increase the sugar or add a bit of honey to taste. You can also substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or agave.
• Lavender Flavor: To make a stronger lavender flavor, let the simple syrup steep for longer or add more lavender flowers to the sugar.
• Herbal Twist: For an added depth of flavor, try mixing in a few sprigs of fresh mint or a splash of elderflower syrup.
• Frozen Version: Turn this drink into a slushy by blending it with ice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Lavender Lemonade is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor will continue to develop as it sits, so it may taste even better the next day.
• Reheating: This lemonade is meant to be served cold, so it’s best enjoyed chilled. However, you can gently warm it up if you want to enjoy it as a hot beverage on a cooler day (though the ice and the cold water are what make it refreshing).

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought lavender syrup instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought lavender syrup, but homemade syrup will have a fresher and more customizable flavor.

2. Is it possible to make this drink without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute such as stevia or monk fruit. You can also reduce the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you like your drinks.

3. Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lavender simple syrup and lemonade ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just be sure to add the ice and garnish right before serving.

4. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of freshly squeezed juice?

While freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for the brightest flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to compensate for the slightly less vibrant flavor.

5. Can I make this lemonade with dried lavender?

Yes, dried lavender works perfectly for this recipe. Simply use about 1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers in place of the fresh ones.

6. Can I make this lemonade more sour?

If you prefer a more tart lemonade, simply add more freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. You can also reduce the amount of sugar to let the tartness shine through.

7. How can I make this a sparkling drink?

To make sparkling lavender lemonade, add a splash of club soda or sparkling water instead of the cold water. The bubbles will give it an extra refreshing twist.

8. Can I use other citrus fruits in place of lemon?

Yes! You can experiment with other citrus fruits like limes, oranges, or grapefruits for a unique twist on this classic drink.

9. Can I make this into a cocktail?

Yes, you can add a splash of gin, vodka, or rum to turn this lemonade into a refreshing summer cocktail. The floral notes of lavender pair especially well with gin!

10. Can I make this lemonade without boiling water?

While boiling water helps to dissolve the sugar and release the lavender’s flavor, you can steep the lavender in room-temperature water if you’re short on time. Just be sure to give it more time to infuse.

Conclusion

Lavender Lemonade is a sophisticated and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a garden party, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or just looking for a special homemade beverage. The floral lavender flavor combined with the bright, tangy lemon creates a delightful and calming drink that’s both sweet and tangy. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that everyone will enjoy!

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