Description
This refreshing Lavender Lemonade combines the bright, tangy flavor of freshly squeezed lemons with the subtle floral notes of dried culinary lavender. Sweetened with a blend of granulated sugar and honey, this homemade beverage is perfect for warm weather gatherings or relaxing afternoons. Optional food coloring and lemon slice garnishes add a delightful touch to its beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Lemonade Base
- 6 cups water (1,362 grams, divided)
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (454 grams, from 10-12 lemons)
Syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup honey (88 grams)
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender (8 grams, plus more for garnish)
Optional
- Blue or purple food coloring (to enhance color)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of water and the granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar is fully dissolved. Then, turn off the heat and stir in the honey and dried culinary lavender.
- Steep the lavender: Allow the lavender syrup mixture to steep for 2 hours, or less if you prefer a lighter lavender flavor. This allows the floral notes to infuse thoroughly into the liquid.
- Strain the syrup: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing down on the lavender buds to extract maximum flavor. Discard the solids.
- Combine the lemonade: In a large pitcher, mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the strained lavender syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add color and serve: If desired, add a few drops of blue or purple food coloring to enhance the lemonade’s visual appeal. Serve your lavender lemonade chilled over ice, garnished with lemon slices and additional lavender sprigs if you like.
Notes
- For a stronger lavender flavor, allow the syrup to steep longer or add more lavender buds.
- The food coloring is completely optional and only used to enhance the natural lavender hue.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and authentic flavor.
- Shake or stir the lemonade before serving if it has been sitting to redistribute the flavors evenly.
- This lemonade is best served cold and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
