Homemade Lavender Lemonade Made with Fresh Lavender Syrup
Lavender lemonade combines floral notes with tart citrus for a refreshing drink that’s both elegant and cooling. Making your own lavender syrup lets you control the intensity—you’ll get a subtle floral taste without the soapy flavor that store-bought versions sometimes have.
Fresh or dried culinary lavender works equally well, and the syrup keeps for weeks in the fridge.
Choosing the Right Lavender for Drinking
Use only culinary lavender, not the ornamental varieties sold at garden centers. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has the mildest, sweetest flavor that won’t overpower your lemonade. Avoid French lavender, which can taste medicinal in drinks.
If you’re buying dried lavender, look for buds that are still purple and fragrant. Gray or brown buds have lost their flavor. Fresh lavender from farmers markets works beautifully—just use about double the amount since dried lavender is more concentrated.
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Homemade Lavender Lemonade Made with Fresh Lavender Syrup
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Large pitcher
- Citrus juicer or reamer
Instructions
- Make simple syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Steep lavender: Remove syrup from heat and immediately stir in lavender buds. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. The syrup should smell fragrant and take on a light purple tint.
- Strain and cool: Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing the lavender buds gently with a spoon to extract flavor. Discard the buds and let syrup cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Mix lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice and 4 cups cold water. Start by adding 1/2 cup of the lavender syrup, then taste and add more until you reach your preferred balance of sweet and floral.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until well chilled. Serve over ice with fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices if desired. The lemonade is ready when it’s cold throughout and the flavors have melded together.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 serving)
