Lavender Lemonade
A classic summer time drink gets a floral fun twist in this Lavender Lemonade! This sweet, citrusy, and slightly floral drink is made by creating an easy to make lavender simple syrup, and mixing it with freshly squeezed bright, citrusy lemons, and then of course some ice cold water! As well, this Lavender Lemonade can easily be made sparkling, by substituting the water for club soda, and can also be made alcoholic with the addition of vodka! Perfect for a refreshing summertime sip!
CULINARY LAVENDER VS REGULAR LAVENDER
It is important in making the recipe for this Lavender Lemonade, or any other recipe that involves lavender, that you use Culinary Grade Lavender. Firstly, culinary grade lavender is the only safe lavender to consume, because it has been prepared and processed in a food-grade environment, and has only had good-grade chemicals used on it during the growing process. Secondly, culinary lavenders are more flavorful and aromatic than their non-culinary counterparts. There are many varieties of lavender out there, but culinary lavender uses a varieties that are more sweet and have a sweet fragrance as well – making them perfect for edible usage.
HOW TO MAKE LAVENDER SIMPLE SYRUP
The first step in this Lavender Lemonade recipe is making the lavender simple syrup. Creating the lavender simple syrup is as easy as any other simple syrup, with the only extra step being the steeping of the lavender buds.
1. Start by steeping the lavender in hot water: Boil the water and then add the loose lavender directly into the hot water to steep for 10 minutes.
2. Add the lavender steeped water and sugar to a saucepan: After 10 minutes has passed, strain out the lavender pieces using a fine mesh sieve. Then pour the lavender infused water into a small saucepan, then add the white sugar.
3. Boil the lavender simple syrup: Bring the lavender water and sugar to a boil, then allow it to continue to boil for about 3 minutes to reduce ever-so-slightly.
4. Cool the syrup in the fridge: After the 3 minutes of boiling has passed, remove the pot from the heat, and pour it into a heat-safe measuring cup, and transfer it into the fridge for about an hour, to cool completely before using it for the Lavender Lemonade. The lavender simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze it in an airtight container for 6 months.
How to Make Lavender Lemonade
Now that the lavender simple syrup has been made, the process of making the Lavender Lemonade really requires only 2 more steps! First, squeeze the lemon juice out of the fresh lemons into a large pitcher! You can do this by hand, but I find using one of those nifty lemon squeezers makes incredibly easy work of this! Next, add the lavender simple syrup and cold water (or club soda if you want it fizzy) and give it a good stir, and you’re good to go, the fresh homemade Lavender Lemonade is ready to be enjoyed!
Get the Recipe: Lavender Lemonade
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 4 tbsp Dried Lavender
- 2 cup Boiling Water
- 2 cup Sugar
Lavender Lemonade
- Lavender Simple Syrup, (above)
- 2 cups Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 10-12 cups Cold Water or Club Soda
- (Optional) Purple Food Coloring
Instructions
Lavender Simple Syrup
- Steep the dried lavender in the 2 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, strain the dried lavender out and place the steeped water into a medium sauce pan. Add in sugar, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow to boil for 3 minutes. Then remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using.
Lavender Lemonade
- Add all ingredients to a large pitcher, stir to combine. Serve immediately or keep cool until serving.
Related Recipes
Looking for more summery drinks? Check out these below:
LAVENDER BLUEBERRY GIN SPARKLER. Floral and fruity, does it get any better? This cocktail features blueberry juice, gin, lavender, and some bubbly club soda!
PASSION FRUIT AND GIN FIZZ COCKTAIL. Summer-time in a glass! This cocktail is fruity, tart, and whole lotta tropical!
HONEY ROSEMARY ICED TEA. A Southern classic with a twist! This Iced tea is sweetened with a honey rosemary simple syrup.
