Lavender Lemonade

Lavender lemonade is a refreshing and aromatic beverage that combines the citrusy flavor of lemons with the floral notes of lavender. Here are simple recipes for making lavender lemonade.

Lavender Lemonade Infusion

This a recipe that you can experiment with the lavender-to-lemon ratio to find the flavor balance that suits your taste.

You will be infusing the lavender flavor by simmering the lavender buds in water, creating lavender-infused water.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 5-6 cups cold water
  • 2-3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds (make sure they are pesticide-free)

Instructions:

  1. Make Lavender Infusion:
    • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the dried lavender buds.
    • Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
    • Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and let it steep for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse into the water.
    • Strain the lavender buds from the liquid, creating a lavender-infused water. Set it aside to cool.
  2. Prepare Lemonade Base:
    • In a large pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
  3. Combine Lavender Infusion and Lemonade:
    • Pour the lavender-infused water into the pitcher with the lemon juice mixture.
    • Add 4-5 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
  4. Chill and Serve:
    • Refrigerate the lavender lemonade for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
    • Before serving, you can add ice cubes and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender or a slice of lemon for a decorative touch.
  5. Optional Variations:
    • If you prefer a sparkling lavender lemonade, you can use sparkling water instead of still water.
    • Experiment with the lavender-to-lemon ratio to find the flavor balance that suits your taste.

Enjoy your homemade lavender lemonade on a hot day or as a unique and delightful beverage for special occasions!


What Type Of Lavender?

There are plenty of lavender choices to choose from. The best edible lavenders are the ones with the sweetest perfume. I prefer English lavender also called true English lavender and it also is extremely popular as a culinary lavender. You can buy dried flowers or grow your own from seed. (Amazon links)

If you wish to use it in a variety of products grow it from seed, it is a very forgiving plant that comes back each year and does not mind poor soil. This will save you some money.



How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup

Lavender simple syrup is a versatile and fragrant syrup that can be used to add a touch of floral sweetness to a variety of beverages and desserts. By adding the syrup, you have more control over the floral taste and can use the syrup as an addition to cocktails, teas, baked goods, and desserts. Here’s a simple recipe for making lavender-infused simple syrup:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds (make sure they are pesticide-free)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Lavender:
    • Make sure the lavender buds are clean and free from debris. If you have fresh lavender, make sure it’s culinary-grade and pesticide-free. If using dried lavender, ensure it is also suitable for culinary purposes.
  2. Combine Water and Lavender:
    • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the lavender buds.
  3. Heat to a Simmer:
    • Heat the water and lavender over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
  4. Infuse the Lavender:
    • Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and let the lavender steep in the water for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors of the lavender to infuse into the water.
  5. Strain the Lavender:
    • After steeping, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain out the lavender buds. You can use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter to separate the liquid from the lavender solids.
  6. Combine with Sugar:
    • Return the lavender-infused water to the saucepan and add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  7. Cool and Store:
    • Allow the lavender simple syrup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean, airtight container. Once cooled, store it in the refrigerator.
  8. Use in Recipes:
    • Your lavender simple syrup is now ready to use. You can add it to beverages like lemonades, teas, and cocktails, or use it as a sweetener for desserts and baked goods.

Note: Adjust the amount of lavender according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with the infusion time to control the strength of the lavender flavor in the syrup.


Lavender Ice Cubes

Freezing lavender inside ice cubes is a beautiful way to add a decorative and aromatic touch to your beverages.

Ingredients and Materials:

  • Fresh or dried culinary lavender buds (make sure they are pesticide-free)
  • Water
  • Ice cube tray

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Lavender:
    • Ensure that the lavender buds are clean and free from any impurities. If you’re using fresh lavender, make sure it’s culinary-grade and pesticide-free. If using dried lavender, confirm it’s suitable for culinary purposes.
  2. Place Lavender in Ice Cube Tray:
    • Place a small amount of lavender buds in each compartment of the ice cube tray. You can distribute them evenly or customize the arrangement based on your preference.
  3. Fill with Water:
    • Fill each compartment of the ice cube tray with water, covering the lavender buds. Leave a small space at the top to allow for expansion as the water freezes.
  4. Freeze:
    • Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the water to freeze completely. This typically takes a few hours.
  5. Remove from Tray:
    • Once the lavender ice cubes are fully frozen, remove the tray from the freezer. If the cubes are stuck, you can gently twist the tray or run it under warm water to loosen them.
  6. Use in Beverages:
    • Transfer the lavender ice cubes to a container or a resealable bag for storage in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, simply add the lavender ice cubes to your favorite beverages like water, lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails.

Tips:

  • If you want a clearer ice cube, you can use distilled water.
  • Experiment with the amount of lavender to achieve your desired level of fragrance and flavor.
  • These lavender ice cubes not only add a visual appeal but also subtly infuse your drinks with a delightful lavender aroma.

Enjoy your lavender-infused ice cubes in your drinks, and feel free to get creative by combining them with other herbs or edible flowers for a unique touch!

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