Lavender Lemonade is a delicious way to use lavender, which is in full, glorious bloom all over our property right now. The gorgeous shades of purple are a beautiful sight, and the fragrance is heavenly. But, did you know, that lovely lavender is also useful in the kitchen sometimes, as well? Lavender is an herb, and like any herb, you can use it to flavour dishes. It has a sweet – sour flavour similar to caraway seeds.
Culinary Lavender vs Ornamental Lavender
There is no difference between culinary lavender and regular lavender. It’s all edible. The concern is how it’s been processed or grown. So you don’t want to eat what’s in those little sachets in your underwear drawer, or the potpourri jar. Because who knows where that came from? It’s probably best not to use plants that are grown strictly for landscaping. Since they are grown just for ornamental purposes, they may have been treated with chemicals.
We grow all of the plants on our property organically and never spray them, so we can safely consume our lavender. But, If you don’t have lavender in your garden, look for dried lavender labelled for culinary use, or buy an organically grown plant. Or find a friend who has a plant, and ask for a couple of sprigs. Then share a glass of lemonade with them. That’s a pretty nice payoff, right?
About Lavender
Lavender has a long history of usefulness in many ways. It has been used over the ages for medicinal, therapeutic, decorative, cosmetic and culinary purposes. It’s origins are Mediterranean, but the plant is very hardy and grows well anywhere where there’s a lot of summer heat, and dry temperatures. It’s perennial (meaning, it will keep popping back up every spring) where the winters aren’t fiercely cold. This gorgeous purple shrub is also drought tolerant and it thrives in poor soils. For more info on the wonders of lavender, check out Lavender on Encyclopedia.com.
Lavender + Lemon = ♥
Since lavender, in a culinary way, works especially well with lemon, of course it’s perfect as lavender lemonade. Lemonade is the ultimate summer refreshment. And when you add lavender, that lemonade turns extra special. A little goes a long way with lavender, and because of it’s sweetness, I find I can use less sugar in my lemonade. And sugary drinks are not my thing, especially in the summer.
Squeezing Those Lemons
Squeezing lemons can be labour intensive for making lemonade. But I have a citrus juicer, which not only takes all the work out of it, but actually uses every drop of lemon juice. I love it. I use way less lemons for the same amount of juice. It also works for any citrus. Fresh squeezed orange juice, anyone? This one was a Christmas gift one year, but if you want to get one, it’s an awesome ( and pretty inexpensive) addition to your kitchen gadgets! Cuisinart CCJ-500C Citrus Juicer
Now: To Make Your House Smell Amazing
Lavender lemonade starts with a lavender infused simple syrup. This is going to fill your whole house (or at least your kitchen) with beautiful lavender fragrance. That’s a bonus with this recipe. The rest is your everyday lemonade, just fresh lemon juice and water. Of course, you could add some vodka for an adult beverage. (When life gives you lemons….add vodka). And if you want to try more lavender in your kitchen, check out Lavender Yogurt Cake or Lavender Scones.
How to Make Lavender Lemonade
Lavender adds a lovely flavour note to homemade lemonade in this delicious, pretty, and refreshing drink.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 6 sprigs lavender
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice 6-10 lemons, depending on size
- 6 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
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Make the simple syrup: In a pot, combine sugar, water and lavender, stir and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Remove from heat and allow to cool completely, steeping about 30 minutes after cooling.
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Strain and discard lavender.
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In a pitcher, combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, water, and ice.
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Serve with lavender sprigs for garnish
Ohhh I have to make this. I will probably spend 10 minutes smelling it before I even take a sip. 🙂
Hi Nicole! Lol, yes it does smell so nice, too! ?
This sounds like such a lovely recipe! Lavender and lemon are always a great combo, so I can only imagine how refreshing this would be on a hot summer day. I love homemade lemonade. It is not only healthier, but it reminds me of a simpler time, and to relax a bit and take our time.
Gabby, I agree completely! There,a something old timey about homemade lemonade and lazy summer days ?
I don’t think there is anything more satisfying than a cold glass of homemade lemonade on a hot and sunny weekend. I love your spin by adding lavender to add a high end and delicious twist to this summertime classic. Gorgeous photos too, Colleen!
Hi Amanda! I know, summer isn’t complete without lemonade, and thank you for the kind words ?
This sounds so floral and refreshing! I’m always afraid to use lavender. I have some dried in my pantry, but I have yet to use it. I think this recipe is about to encourage me 🙂
Hi Dana, don’t be afraid! Lavender needs to be used sparingly, but the flavour is really special. I hope you try 🙂
OH MAN! I’ve always wanted to make my own lavender lemonade and this looks just perfect. And I can only imagine how incredible it smells when you’re making the syrup. Cheers to refreshing summer sips!
Hi Justine! Yes, the way the house smells when making the syrup makes it worth making just for that alone! 🙂
Lavender lemonade sounds PERFECT for those hot Brisbane days. Refreshing and simple to make too
I think you will love it Gavin! It’s so refreshing and easy to make!
Gavin, you will love this refreshing drink!
Beautiful and refreshing – this is the best lemonade! The lavender flavour is such a lovely touch!
Thanks so much, Alexandra. Lavender is really an amazing ingredient!
Thanks so much, Alexandra! You will love it!
I am already quenching for this amazing Drink. Love the flavor of lemon which is so perfect for the Summers. I need to make some.
Veena, I hope you do make some! I’m sure that you’re going to love it!
I like the idea of adding lavender to lemonade! Looks and sounds so refreshing and delicious!
It is just that, Natalie! Make some lavender lemonade, sit back, and enjoy! 🙂
This sounds so refreshing for the warm weather!
Warm weather is on it’s way, Tisha!
This sounds delicious! Is that 1 and a 1/2 cups of water in the first part?
Hi Abigail, yes, thank you for alerting me to that typo, which I have now fixed! It should, yes, be 1 1/2 cups water. Enjoy!
This calls for 6 sprigs of lavender, but I have dried culinary lavender. How much would I use?
Hi Stephanie, try 3 tbsp dried lavender. Enjoy you lemonade!