Lavender Lemonade

This elegant mocktail is a sophisticated twist on classic lemonade. The infusion of culinary lavender creates a beautifully fragrant simple syrup, which is then balanced with freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. It's a perfect thirst-quencher for warm days, offering a unique flavor profile that is both calming and invigorating. The beautiful pale purple hue makes it visually appealing for any occasion.
Lavender Lemonade

Preparation

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Lavender Lemonade is classified as a mocktail, being a completely non-alcoholic beverage. It falls into the category of refreshing drinks, perfect for quenching thirst on a warm day. It's a modern, non-classical creation popular in cafes and at home.

Serving

Serve this non-alcoholic drink cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. The serving size is generous, perfect for a long, refreshing sip.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While homemade lavender-infused drinks have been made for centuries in various forms, Lavender Lemonade gained widespread popularity in the 21st century. Its rise can be attributed to farmers' markets, artisanal cafes, and online food blogs celebrating the farm-to-table movement. There is no single creator; rather, it evolved from a collective appreciation for elevating simple classics with fresh, floral ingredients.
Origin
The concept is rooted in traditional European and American home refreshments where floral infusions were common. Its modern iteration as a popular beverage emerged primarily in the United States and Europe in the early 2000s.

Lavender Lemonade

The drink is most commonly known as Lavender Lemonade. Some may refer to it more descriptively as Lavender-Infused Lemonade, but this is less common.
Original name
Lavender Lemonade
Alternative name
Lavender-Infused Lemonade

Characteristics overview

This drink has a delightful floral and citrus aroma, with a balanced sweet and sour flavor profile. Its pale purple appearance and smooth texture make it an exceptionally refreshing summer beverage.
Flavor
Floral, citrusy, sweet, tart, refreshing, herbal
Aroma
Lavender, lemon, fresh, floral
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, floral, lingering sweetness
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale purple, light pink, clear with a purple hue
Texture
Smooth, watery, light
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring-like

Flavor intensity & Experience

A perfectly balanced mocktail with moderate sweetness and sourness, complemented by a distinct floral character. It is entirely non-alcoholic and typically served still.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are fresh lemon juice, water, and a homemade simple syrup infused with dried culinary lavender. Optional food coloring can be used for a more vibrant color.
  • Water (for syrup)240 ml / 8 oz
    Used to create the lavender simple syrup.
  • Granulated Sugar200 g / 1 cup
    Forms the base of the simple syrup.
  • Dried Culinary Lavender1 tablespoon
    Ensure it is culinary grade to avoid bitter, soapy flavors. Do not use lavender meant for potpourri.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice240 ml / 8 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice provides the best flavor. This requires about 4-6 lemons.
  • Cold Water720 ml / 24 oz
    Can be substituted with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version.
  • Lavender Syrup120 ml / 4 oz, or to taste
    The cooled syrup made from the ingredients listed above.
  • Purple Food Coloring1-2 drops(optional)
    Purely for aesthetic purposes to enhance the purple hue.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

Basic kitchen equipment is all that's required. You will need a small saucepan and a sieve for the syrup, and a large pitcher to mix and serve the lemonade.
  • Small saucepan for making the lavender syrup.
  • Fine-mesh sieve for straining the syrup.
  • Large pitcher or jug for mixing the final lemonade.
  • Long spoon or stirrer.

Instructions

The preparation involves two main stages: first, creating and cooling a lavender-infused simple syrup, then mixing it with fresh lemon juice and water. The finished drink is served over ice with a garnish.
1. Make the lavender syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 240 ml (8 oz) of water, the sugar, and the dried culinary lavender.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Once simmering, remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let the lavender steep for at least 30 minutes to infuse its flavor.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar to remove all the lavender buds. Allow the syrup to cool completely.
5. Assemble the lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, 720 ml (24 oz) of cold water, and 120 ml (4 oz) of the cooled lavender syrup.
6. Stir well to combine. If using, add 1-2 drops of purple food coloring and stir again.
7. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup or tartness with more lemon juice if needed.
8. Fill serving glasses (such as Highball glasses) with ice cubes.
9. Pour the prepared lavender lemonade over the ice.
10. Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon wheel and a sprig of lavender before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and a fragrant lavender sprig to enhance the drink's aroma and visual appeal.
  • Lemon wheel or slice placed on the rim or floating in the glass.
  • Fresh lavender sprig placed in the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally vegan, vegetarian, and free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also completely caffeine-free, making it suitable for all ages.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric, with most calories coming from the high sugar content of the simple syrup. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, almost all of which are sugars.
Calories
averagely 120-150 kcal / 502-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 30-38 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 30-38 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for daytime events like garden parties, brunches, baby showers, and weddings. It is also an excellent choice for a simple, relaxing afternoon refreshment.
  • Summer party
  • Baby shower
  • Brunch
  • Relaxing afternoon

Pairing suggestions

Lavender Lemonade pairs best with light, delicate flavors that won't overwhelm its floral notes. It is an excellent accompaniment to afternoon tea pastries, mild cheeses, fruit-forward desserts, and light brunch items. Avoid pairing it with heavy or intensely savory dishes.
  • Light pastries like scones or shortbread cookies
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Fresh fruit salads
  • Light brunch dishes like quiche or salads

Lavender Lemonade: A Sip of Summer Serenity

Lavender Lemonade is an elegant and aromatic mocktail perfect for warm weather and special daytime occasions. It elevates the classic lemonade by infusing it with a homemade syrup made from culinary lavender, creating a unique balance of sweet, tart, and floral flavors. Easy to prepare in a large batch, it's an ideal and impressive choice for garden parties, showers, and brunches. Its beautiful color and sophisticated taste make it a memorable non-alcoholic option for guests of all ages.

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