Ingredients
Lavender Syrup
- 2 cups water (480 ml)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup honey (88 grams)
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender (8 grams), plus more for garnish
Lavender Lemonade
- 6 cups water (1,362 grams), divided
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (454 grams), from 10-12 lemons
- Blue or purple food coloring (optional, to enhance color)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make Lavender Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, turn off the heat and stir in ¼ cup honey and 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender. This will infuse the syrup with the distinctive floral flavor of lavender.
- Steep the Syrup: Allow the lavender mixture to steep for 2 hours at room temperature. This step is crucial to develop the full lavender flavor. You can steep for less time if you prefer a milder lavender taste.
- Strain the Mixture: After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the lavender buds gently to extract all the flavorful juices. Discard the lavender solids.
- Combine Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice, the strained lavender syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of water. Stir well to blend all ingredients together.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of blue or purple food coloring to enhance the natural lavender tone of the lemonade, making it particularly attractive for brunches or special occasions.
- Serve: Pour the lavender lemonade over ice in glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and additional dried lavender if you like. Enjoy chilled for a refreshing, floral twist on classic lemonade.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade dried lavender to ensure safe consumption and the best flavor.
- If you want a stronger lavender flavor, you can increase the lavender quantity or steep the syrup longer, but avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar and honey quantities based on your taste preference.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for a bright, natural flavor; bottled lemon juice is not recommended.
- This beverage is best served cold and freshly made, but you can store the lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Blue or purple food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetic enhancement.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
