Lavender Lemonade
Dress things up with lavender lemonade at your next special event. Still familiar enough as the classic tart-sweet drink we all love, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when that glimmer of lavender hits your palate. It’s summery, fresh and oh so delicious.
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Key Takeaways
- Lavender lemonade is a refreshing and unique twist on classic lemonade.
- Lavender is a versatile herb that adds a floral flavor and aroma to food and drinks.
- When making lavender lemonade, it’s important to choose the right lavender and use it in moderation to avoid overpowering other ingredients.
- Use fresh lemons and filtered water for best flavor
- Making a lavender syrup first makes assembling lemonade easy
Understanding Lavender and Its Uses
Lavender is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family. It is known for its distinct aroma and is commonly used in aromatherapy and as an ingredient in various products like soaps, perfumes, and candles. Lavender is also a popular ingredient in cooking and is used to add flavor desserts, teas, and lemonades.
When using lavender in cooking, it is important to select the right type. The two most common types used in cooking are English lavender and French lavender. English lavender is the most commonly used type and has a sweet and floral flavor. French lavender, on the other hand, has a stronger and more pungent flavor and is best used in savory dishes.
To use lavender in cooking, it is important to use it sparingly as it can easily overpower other flavors. It is recommended to use only the flowers of the plant and avoid using the stems and leaves as they can be bitter.
Health benefits
Lavender is also known for its various health benefits. It is believed to have a calming effect on the body and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It is also commonly used to aid in sleep and improve digestion. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of lavender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this version is naturally non alcoholic. I don’t drink so I’m not your girl for suggestions on adding alcohol but this lemonade cocktail would be helpful.
Some popular variations of lavender lemonade include adding fresh herbs like mint or rosemary, using different types of citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit, or adding a splash of honey for a sweeter taste.
To make sparkling lavender lemonade, simply add sparkling water or soda to the recipe in place of all or most of the water. You can also add fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Yes, you can make lavender lemonade with fresh lavender. Simply steep fresh lavender buds in hot water to make a lavender syrup, then mix with lemon juice and water to make the lemonade. See the recipe notes for help with this.
Lavender lemonade is known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it a great drink to enjoy before bed or during times of stress. Lavender is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ingredients Needed
To make a refreshing and aromatic lavender lemonade, you will need the following ingredients. Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Select high-quality, organic lemons.
- Lavender syrup: To infuse the flavor of lavender properly, you’ll need a lavender syrup on hand. It’s easy to make it with water, lavender buds and sugar or honey. See the recipe notes for details.
- Water: I highly suggest using filtered water.
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs: These are optional but they make a lovely garnish.
In addition to the basic ingredients, you can also experiment with adding other flavors to your lavender lemonade, such as fresh mint, sliced strawberries, or a splash of sparkling water.
You’ll only need a few ingredients.
Choosing the Right Lavender
When it comes to making lavender lemonade, choosing the right type of lavender is crucial. There are many varieties of lavender, and not all of them are suitable for culinary purposes. Here are some tips to help you choose the right lavender for your lemonade:
- English Lavender: English lavender, also known as true lavender, is the most commonly used type of lavender for culinary purposes. It has a sweet, floral flavor that pairs well with lemon. English lavender is also easy to find in most grocery stores and online.
- French Lavender: French lavender, also known as lavandin, is a hybrid of English lavender and spike lavender. It has a stronger, more camphorous scent than English lavender, which can be overpowering in culinary applications. French lavender is better suited for use in soaps, candles, and other non-food products.
- Spanish Lavender: Spanish lavender, also known as stoechas lavender, has a strong, pungent scent that is not suitable for culinary use. It also has a bitter taste that can ruin the flavor of your lemonade. Spanish lavender is best used as a decorative plant in your garden.
- Lavender Varieties to Avoid: There are several other types of lavender that should be avoided when making lavender lemonade. These include:
- Hidcote lavender: This variety has a bitter taste that can ruin the flavor of your lemonade.
- Grosso lavender: This variety has a strong, camphorous scent that is not suitable for culinary use.
- Any lavender that has been treated with pesticides or chemicals: These lavender varieties can be harmful to your health and should be avoided.
How to assemble lavender lemonade
Making lavender lemonade is so easy! Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice into a pitcher or carafe. Add the lavender syrup you made in advance.
Top off the lemon juice and lavender syrup with filtered water or sparkling water and that’s it. Give it a gentle stir and refrigerate if you choose to. I always give mine a taste and make sure the strength is right.
Handy tip: Don’t water it down too much
Add all but a cup of the water and give the lemonade a taste. This allows you to control the strength of your final drink. Remember ice cubes will further dilute the flavor.
Why isn’t my lemonade purple?
Lavender flowers are not going to make your lemonade purple. If you want yours to have that tint, you can add a drop of purple food coloring to your lemonade–I just don’t use artificial colors and don’t think it’s necessary here.
Serving Suggestions
Glassware
When serving lavender lemonade, it’s important to choose the right glassware. A clear glass will show off the beautiful lemonade. A tall glass will allow for plenty of ice and garnishes, while a shorter glass will be more compact and easier to hold.
Ice and Garnishes
Adding ice and garnishes to your lavender lemonade can take it to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
- Ice: Use large ice cubes or crushed ice to keep your lavender lemonade cold. You could even freeze lavender flowers or lemon slices into your ice cubes for an added touch.
- Garnishes: A sprig of fresh lavender or a slice of lemon on the rim of your glass can add a pop of color and flavor. You could also try adding a few frozen blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Pairings
Lavender lemonade pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are a few suggestions:
- Salads: A light and refreshing lavender lemonade pairs perfectly with a fresh summer salad.
- Grilled chicken: The floral notes of the lavender complement the smoky flavor of grilled chicken.
- Seafood: Lavender lemonade is a great accompaniment to seafood dishes, especially those with lemon or citrus flavors.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once you have made your lavender lemonade, it’s important to know how to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
- Refrigeration: Lavender lemonade should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It is best to store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a lid, to prevent any air from getting in and causing the drink to spoil.
- Shelf Life: Lavender lemonade can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. However, it is important to note that the longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together and the lavender flavor may become stronger. If you prefer a milder lavender flavor, it is best to consume the lemonade within the first 1-2 days.
- Freezing: If you have made a large batch of lavender lemonade and you can’t drink it all within the recommended shelf life, you can freeze it for later use. Simply pour the lemonade into an airtight container, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to drink, thaw the lemonade in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving. Note that the texture and flavor may be slightly different after freezing and thawing, but it will still be delicious.
Lavender Lemondade
Ingredients
- 1 batch lavender syrup made in advance, see note 1
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 1/2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Mix the lavender syrup with the water and lemon juice. Stir to combine and taste. Adjust as needed and remember that adding ice cubes when serving will further dilute the lemonade’s flavor.
- Store in the refrigerator at least one hour to chill if possible.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices and fresh lavender for garnish.
About the Author
Rachel Ballard, RN, BSN brings more than 20 years of professional nursing expertise to Feast and Farm. With a love for nutrient dense foods that support wellness, she works to distill complex health information and current trends into recipes that fuel the best version of yourself. Read more about Rachel here.