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

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Lavender Lemonade – Lemonade Recipe

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Steeping Time

30 mins

Total Time

35 mins

 

Lavender adds a lovely flavour note to homemade lemonade in this delicious, pretty, and refreshing drink.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Beverages

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 110 kcal

Author: Colleen

Ingredients

• 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

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Make the simple syrup: In a pot, combine sugar, water and lavender, stir and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely, steeping about 30 minutes after cooling.
3. Strain and discard lavender.

4. In a pitcher, combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, water, and ice.

5. Serve with lavender sprigs for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Lavender Lemonade – Lemonade Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 drink)

Calories 110

% Daily Value*

Potassium 62mg2%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Sugar 26g29%

Vitamin C 23.6mg29%

Calcium 5mg1%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.