Lavender Lemonade
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Lavender is a unique flavor like none other and pairing it with lemon is a match made in heaven. This Lavender Lemonade recipe is positively perfect for the hot weather!
This lavender lemonade was inspired by the time I spent living in England. I lived just south of Cambridge for 6 years and something I enjoyed doing in the summertime was travel up north to the Norfolk Lavender Farm where I could stroll through the fragrant gardens, watch the process of turning lavender flowers into essential oils, and browse the gift shop for a variety of lavender-scented products.
It was a peaceful and serene setting and I always left feeling rejuvenated.
Something I’ve been doing in more recent years is experimenting with lavender in my kitchen. Lavender is a fun and delicious herb to cook and bake with. Its flavor is like none other, one I’d describe it as floral, woodsy and minty with a touch of thyme and rosemary.
Lavender has an assertive flavor so you’ll definitely want to use it sparingly. A little goes a long way so it’s always good to start with less.
Lavender is also best paired with bright flavors for contrast. Lemon, for example, is the perfect flavor pairing.
As with this French Almond Cake with Lavender Lemon Glaze,I’m sure you’ll agree that the lavender-lemon combination is a match made in heaven!
I’ve been making a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks the past few weeks and with the newly flowering lavender in my garden I couldn’t resist incorporating it into a classic lemonade.
You can use both fresh and dried lavender flowers and I’ll provide instructions for both.
Lavender Lemonade Recipe
Let’s get started!
If you use fresh lavender the process is quicker – simply use something like a cocktail muddler to crush the lavender. Alternatively you can use a mortar and pestle or something similar.
If using dried lavender, you’ll need to steep it like a tea by boiling the water called or in the recipe and pouring the boiling water over the dried lavender flowers, letting it steep for a few minutes, straining the flowers and then letting it cool.
There’s no right or wrong way to this – it comes down to personal preference and what you have available. Going the boiling water route also enables you to use honey instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
Pictured below I’m using a muddler to crush the fresh lavender flowers.
Next stir in the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
Strain the lavender flowers.
Add ice and water, stir and serve with a sprig of fresh lavender and/or a slice of lemon.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
For more lavender recipes be sure to also try our:
- Honey Lavender Ice Cream
- French Almond Cake with Lavender Lemon Glaze
- Herbes de Provence
Lavender Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons quality culinary grade lavender flowers (or 4 teaspoons fresh unsprayed lavender flowers)
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup alternatively use one tablespoon honey if using dried lavender/boiling water, see instructions below
- 12 ounces cold water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- If using fresh lavender: Place the lavender flowers in a glass and use something like a cocktail muddler or mortar and pestle to crush the lavender. Stir in the lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Strain out and discard the lavender flowers. Add ice and water to the liquid and serve with a sprig of fresh lavender and/or slice of lemon.
- If using dried lavender: Boil the water. Place the dried lavender flowers in a mug and pour the boiling water over them. Let it steep for a few minutes, strain out and discard the lavender flowers and let the liquid cool completely. If using honey, stir it in before the liquid has cooled. Otherwise, once the liquid has cooled, stir in the lemon juice and simple syrup, add the ice and serve with a sprig of fresh lavender and/or slice of lemon.This yields about two servings. For more servings simply double/quadruple, etc the ingredients.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet June 19, 2019
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
