Lavender Lemonade

If it’s French, it’s fashion—and this lavender lemonade is pure couture. Forget that premixed lemonade you’ve been sipping and level up your beverage game with a splash of fragrance and florals. Our lavender lemonade is made with fresh lemon juice, a whisper of vanilla and a homemade simple syrup that’s infused with real dried lavender flowers. This summer sipper is casual yet unapologetically bougie. It’s a whole vibe in a glass that’s ideal for brunches, bridal showers, picnics or even just a regular Tuesday in need of a glow-up.

Lavender Lemonade Ingredients

• Water: Water is the runway for all these glamorous ingredients to strut on. You’ll use some hot water to coax out the flavor of the flowers, and some cold water to cool things down. Water also dissolves the sugar and dilutes the tart lemon into something drinkable and perfect.
• Sugar: Sweetness is non-negotiable, and regular white sugar dissolves like a dream into our lavender simple syrup. It sweetens the drink, balancing the tang of the lemons and the earthiness of the lavender.
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is the star of the citrus catwalk. Its flavor is tart, bright and impossible to maintain when industrially bottled. Juicing fresh lemons brings that zesty punch of real citrus, making the drink lively instead of flat.
• Dried lavender flowers: French lavender is the move here. These edible flowers add their signature floral aroma and subtle purple hue. Use culinary-grade lavender to get the desired flavor, so it doesn’t taste like grandma’s linen closet.
• Vanilla extract: This understated accessory ties the whole “outfit” together, adding warmth and depth to the lemonade recipe. Use a high-quality brand of vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Ice cubes: Nobody wants tepid lemonade! Keep it cool by serving the drink over ice. If you’re feeling snazzy, clear ice cubes are dressed to impress.

Directions

Step 1: Make the lavender simple syrup

Bring two cups of water and the sugar to a boil. Remove from the heat and then add the dried lavender. Cover and let stand for two to four hours.

Editor’s Tip: For sweeter syrup, reduce the water to one cup instead of two. (After all, the classic simple syrup ratio is one cup of water to one cup of sugar.) If you want more lavender flavor, let the lavender sit for the full four hours, but taste test the syrup along the way, because leaving the flowers in the syrup for too long can make it bitter.

Step 2: Strain and combine

Strain the mixture, discarding the lavender. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla and the remaining water. Chill and then serve over ice.

Editor’s Tip: Use a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher to strain the lavender flowers from the syrup. Give them a gentle press to extract every last drop of floral goodness, then toss them. Serve the lemonade over ice in your prettiest vintage glasses, and if you’re feeling extra, garnish it with a sprig of fresh lavender or a lemon wheel. Instagram-worthy drinks deserve an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Lavender Lemonade Variations

• Make it sparkle: Top your lavender lemonade with sparkling water to make a fizzy mocktail that tickles the nose. Add the bubbles right before serving to keep that effervescence popping.
• Give it some spirit: Stir in vodka, gin or sparkling wine to turn this into a fragrant cocktail that screams garden party chic. Try a splash of bourbon for a fresh take on a Gold Rush cocktail.
• Blend it up: Blend your finished lemonade with ice for a slushy situation that’s perfect when you need to cool down fast.
• Sweeten it naturally: Swap sugar for honey for a more complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with lavender. It’s a grown-up version of this nonalcoholic drink that whispers sophistication.

How to Store Lavender Lemonade

Keep leftover lavender lemonade in a covered pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed chilled and served over ice within a couple of days so the fresh lemon juice stays vibrant. If you’d like to turn this into a batched cocktail or mocktail ahead of time, leave the ice out until serving t0 avoid diluting the flavors.

How long does lavender lemonade last?

Lavender lemonade lasts about three to four days in the fridge before it starts to lose its punch and taste flat. The fresher, the better!

Lavender Lemonade Tips

Can you use lavender extract for lavender lemonade?

While you can use lavender extract, it’s very concentrated and can easily overpower your drink. It’s best to stick with culinary-grade dried lavender flowers in a simple syrup to keep the flavor delicate and pleasant.

Can you use store-bought lavender simple syrup for lemonade?

Yes, you can use store-bought lavender syrup if you’re short on time, which would allow you to skip sourcing dried lavender flowers and making the simple syrup at home. Just be sure to taste test it and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly since most syrups are already sweetened.

How else can you serve lavender lemonade?

Lavender lemonade is great on its own, but also makes a stellar base for cocktails and spritzes. You can make a frozen drink easily by blending it with ice and a splash of herbaceous gin.