Description
This Lavender Lemonade recipe blends the floral notes of dried culinary lavender with the bright, tangy flavor of freshly squeezed lemons, resulting in a refreshing and elegant beverage perfect for warm days and special occasions. Sweetened with a combination of granulated sugar and honey, this homemade lemonade offers a delicate balance of sweetness and floral aroma, enhanced optionally with a touch of food coloring for a visually stunning presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the Lemonade
- 4 cups water (960 ml)
- 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 the Lavender Syrup: Over medium heat, combine 2 cups of water with granulated sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in honey and dried lavender buds.
- Steep the Lavender: Allow the lavender-infused syrup to steep for 2 hours to extract a strong floral aroma and flavor. If you prefer a milder lavender taste, reduce the steeping time accordingly.
- Strain the Syrup: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds, pressing gently to extract all the infused liquid.
- Combine Lemonade Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the strained lavender syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of water. Stir well to combine.
- Add Color and Serve: Optionally, add a couple of drops of blue or purple food coloring to enhance the pastel lavender shade, making it particularly appealing for brunch. Serve the lemonade chilled over ice with lemon slices and additional lavender sprigs as garnish.
Notes
- Adjust the steeping time of the lavender to control the intensity of the floral flavor.
- Use fresh lemons for the best taste and nutritional value.
- Honey can be substituted with additional sugar or other sweeteners if desired.
- Lavender used should be culinary grade to ensure safety and best flavor.
- For a sparkling version, substitute still water with sparkling water.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
