Description
This refreshing Lavender Lemonade recipe combines the delicate floral notes of dried culinary lavender with tart freshly squeezed lemons, sweetened with sugar and honey. Perfectly balanced and lightly fragrant, it’s an elegant homemade beverage ideal for warm days or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 6 cups water (1,362 grams, divided)
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (454 grams, from 10-12 lemons)
- ¼ cup honey (88 grams)
Sweeteners
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
Flavorings and Garnishes
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender (8 grams, plus more for garnish)
- Blue or purple food coloring (optional, to enhance color)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and the granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Honey and Lavender: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat. Stir in the honey and dried culinary lavender to infuse the mixture with floral flavor.
- Steep the Lavender Mixture: Allow the lavender syrup to steep at room temperature for 2 hours to develop a rich lavender flavor. You can steep for less time if you prefer a milder lavender taste.
- Strain the Mixture: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the lavender solids to extract all the flavorful liquid back into the syrup.
- Combine with Lemon Juice and Water: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the lavender syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of water. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of blue or purple food coloring to enhance the color, giving the lemonade a charming lavender hue.
- Serve: Pour the lemonade over ice and garnish with lemon slices or a few sprigs of dried lavender for an elegant presentation. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Adjust steeping time to control lavender intensity; shorter for mild flavor, longer for stronger taste.
- Use organic culinary lavender to ensure it is safe for consumption.
- Blue or purple food coloring is optional and primarily for aesthetic appeal.
- This lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to swap honey for agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
