🍋 Lavender Lemonade Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Sip with Garden-Grown Lavender
Say hello to sunshine in a glass! This Lavender Lemonade brings together the bright zing of lemons and the soft floral essence of fresh lavender for a drink that’s as soothing as it is energizing. Whether you're lounging in the backyard, hosting a garden brunch, or just need a moment of botanical bliss, this recipe is a dreamy, easy-to-make treat that celebrates the simple joy of homegrown herbs.
🌿 Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups cold filtered water
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh culinary-grade lavender buds (pesticide-free!)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish
🥣 Instructions:
1. Harvest the Lavender
- Pick lavender buds right before they fully bloom for the best flavor. Make sure you're using a culinary variety like Munstead or Hidcote. Skip anything from a florist or craft store - those are not for sippin'!
2. Make Lavender Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Add in your lavender buds and reduce the heat. Let it gently simmer or steep for 5–7 minutes -don’t boil!
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Strain out the lavender buds and set the fragrant syrup aside.
3. Squeeze the Lemons
- Juice enough lemons to get 1 full cup of lemon juice. Roll them on the counter first to get more juice with less elbow grease!
4. Mix It All Up
- In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, lavender syrup, and 6 cups cold filtered water.
- Stir well and taste - add more water or a little extra sugar if needed.
- Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours so all those flavors can party together.
5. Serve & Shine
- Pour over ice cubes into glasses. Garnish with a lemon slice and a lavender sprig for extra flair. Want to really impress? Use lavender-infused ice cubes!
✨ Extra Tips & Ideas:
- Lavender Ice Cubes: Freeze small buds or sprigs into ice cubes for an enchanting presentation.
- Lemon Zest Dusting: Add a touch of lemon zest on top for a fragrant citrus pop.
- Herbal Twist: Want a stronger lavender kick? Let the buds steep longer in the syrup as it cools.
- Try Other Herbs: Feeling adventurous? Add a hint of fresh mint or basil for a new flavor combo.
⚠ Cautions:
Not all lavender is safe to eat! Only use lavender labeled as culinary or culinary grown organically in your own garden. Avoid lavender from nurseries or bouquets unless it's certified food-safe! Buy food grade online.
🌿💛
🧪 Not all lavender species are safe to use in food or drinks!
Here’s the lowdown:
✅ Safe for Culinary Use (aka "Culinary Lavender"):
These are low in camphor (which can taste bitter and be harsh on your system in large amounts):
- Lavandula angustifolia (a.k.a. English Lavender)
✔️ Best choice for eating and drinking
✔️ Common culinary varieties:- ‘Munstead’
- ‘Hidcote’
- ‘Melissa’
- ‘Vera’
These have a soft, sweet floral flavor and are widely used in teas, lemonades, cookies, etc.
⚠️ Not Recommended for Culinary Use:
These types are higher in camphor or essential oil concentration, which can taste soapy, medicinal, or even make you feel a little off if consumed:
-
Lavandula x intermedia (aka Lavandin)
- Often used for soaps, oils, and potpourri
- Common cultivars: ‘Grosso’, ‘Provence’, ‘Dutch Mill’
- Too strong and medicinal for food/drinks
-
Lavandula stoechas (aka Spanish Lavender / French Lavender with the “rabbit ears”)
- Beautiful but not safe for consumption – can irritate the stomach and has a pungent, camphor-heavy scent.
🛑 Golden Rule:
If it doesn’t specifically say “culinary lavender” or isn’t a known L. angustifolia variety, don’t use it in your lemonade! When in doubt by it from a reputable company!
✅ Safe Use Summary:
- Always use L. angustifolia varieties.
- Must be organically grown or pesticide-free.
- Never use store-bought lavender from flower shops, craft stores, or essential oil varieties unless clearly labeled food-safe.
🌸📥
Bring a little sunshine to your cup with this homemade Lavender Lemonade. It’s a sweet, tart, and floral escape from the everyday - and a perfect way to use what’s blooming in your backyard. Share it with friends, snap a photo, and toast to the magic of garden-grown goodness. 🌼💛
