Lavender Lemonade Recipe

Lavender is a herb that has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. Check out the benefits of lavender in this informative post: The power of lavender.

This fragrant herb is known for its calming properties and it's often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. The pretty, fragrant shubs are a beautiful additon to any garden.

But did you know, lavender also has culinary uses? You can use lavender to add a unique and delicate flavor to food, and in drinks, (try lavender scones or lavender yogurt cake) like this refreshing lavender lemonade.

About Lavender

There are two main types of lavender; English lavender and French lavender (also called Provence lavender). Both are editble. However, English lavender is preferred for culinary use because it has a sweeter fragrance and milder flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy: It couldn't be easier to make this classic lemonade recipe with simple syrup.
• Refreshing & Relaxing: Lavender lemonade is a refreshing treat for the taste buds. But, it's also a relaxing drink with the soothing and calming benefits of lavender. This drink is perfect for hot summer days, and also when you need to wind down after a long day.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and intensity of the lavender to your liking.
• Elegant: Lavender lemonade is a special treat for serving at baby showers, weddings, and bridal showers.

Ingredient Notes

You can find the full ingredients and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

To make this lavender lemonade recipe, you will need:

• Lavender: You can use either fresh lavender flowers or dried lavender. If you use fresh lavender be sure it hasn't been sprayed with pesticides and use the buds only. If you use dried lavender, make sure that it's labled as culinary lavender.
• Lemon juice: Use fresh lemons for best results. Freshly squeezed lemon juice has the freshest, brightest flavor.
• Sugar: You can use regular granulated sugar, or substitute with honey, agave or maple syrup.
• Water and Ice

How to Make it

Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade lavender lemonade:

• Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water and lavender. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved.
• Remove the lavender syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely, steeping for at least 30 minutes after cooling.
• Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the syrup. Discard lavender buds.
• In a pitcher, combine the lavender simple syrup, lemon juice, cold water, and ice.
• Serve each drink with a sprig of fresh lavender and a wedge of lemon.

Helpful Tips

• To make a larger batch of lavender lemonade, double or triple the recipe. (You can find a "number of servings" button to toggle on the recipe card).
• If you want a stronger lavender flavor, increase the amount of lavender you use and let it steep for longer.
• If you find the floral flavor to be too strong, add extra cups of water, one at a time. Stir and taste until you like it.
• To extract the maximum amount of juice from lemons, have them at room temperature and use some pressure to roll them on the counter top before slicing.
• An electic citrus juicer makes juicing lemons less work.

Variations

• Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the lavender lemonade for an even more refreshing twist.
• Use sparkling water instead of still water for a bubbly lavender lemonade.
• Try using meyer lemons instead of regular lemons for a sweeter and less tart lemonade.
• This non-alcoholic drink can also be a cocktail! Just add a splash of vodka, gin, or your favorite spirit.
• Substitute honey or agave syrup for the sugar to make a healthier version of lavender lemonade.
• Add sliced strawberries or blueberries for a fruity lavender lemonade. Or add some blueberry simple syrup.
• If you want more of a purple lemonade, add a few drops of purple food coloring.