Summer is fast approaching, but you can’t surely miss everything blooming and flowering around you. That’s what this Lavender lemonade cocktail is all about, fresh and delicious union of spring and summer in a glass.

This quick Lavender Lemonade drink is one you can’t pass, why you may ask? Well if you have ever wanted to take your hosting skills up a notch, this is the recipe you have to serve your guests! Also if you are imagining yourself under the shade in your garden or by the pool, or maybe at the seaside and wanting something refreshing, this easy lavender lemonade recipe is one that will soothe your thirst.

This was by far the best alcoholic lemonade recipe I have tried so far and must admit that it went down in minutes when we were taking picture – specifically hinting at Simona, our mum and our dad here – that I barely had a sip. As a rule of thumb, I should start keeping some of the drinks on the side for myself!

And as it was such a big hit and me being my usual self and not writing down recipes and amounts, this lavender vodka lemonade made its second appearance not even a couple of weeks after. And true to itself, went down as easy as the first! If you love the tartness of lemons and a floral touch brought by lavender, you will fall in love with this easy lavender lemon cocktail!

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What is lavender & is it good for you?

Lavender, botanically known as Lavandula, is a herb that is part of the mint family and it’s widely known for its colour, scent and properties, both medicinal and culinary. There are at least 47 known species of lavender with 450 different varieties of it. This herb is said to be native to the Mediterranean, Middle East and India and dates back to 2,500 years ago in the Egyptian mummification process.

Lavender is a popular herb with a unique flavour and fragrance. Culinary lavender can be used in anything from teas, cocktails, desserts and savoury recipes. Other varieties of lavender are used to make essential oils, balms, soaps, tinctures and bath gels.

Among the many benefits of this herb, we can find that:

• can help improve sleep;
• can help treat skin blemishes;
• can help with hair growth;
• can help ease pain;
• can help reduce high blood pressure;
• has anti-inflammatory effects;
• can help relieve headaches and migraines. (Everyday Health)

Can I use regular lavender for cooking?

As we mentioned, there are plenty of different species of lavender and some of them will taste better for cooking than others. All the 100 varieties that come from the Lavandula Angustifolia or more widely known as English lavender are perfect for cooking. Some other varieties of the same Lavandula Angustifolia that are great for cooking are Royal Velvet, Folgate, and Melissa. (BBfamilyfarm.com)

Even if you might think that all lavender will make great options for cooking, you are very far from the truth. If you do use lavender that is not from this species, you will end up having to taste soap and perfume in your dessert or drink, which is not what you want!

Moreover, other species have a high camphor content, similar to Vicks vapour rub, which will make your food not delicious! So no, you can’t use non-food-safe fresh lavender. Culinary-grade lavender is a must when cooking with this herb in order to add a whole new depth to your dishes.

Are lemons good for you?

We have already spoken about these yellow citrus fruits – which are some of our favourites- in past recipes like popsicles, this pistachio lemon cake and strawberry lemonade. But as it’s one of the main characters in this recipe too, we can’t avoid talking about all the benefits they get you:

• rich in vitamin B6 – helps convert food into energy;
• rich in potassium – can help lower blood pressure;
• rich in citric acid – helps prevent the formation of kidney stones;
• rich in vitamin C – important for the immune system and skin health;
• can support heart health;
• can protect against anaemia;
• can reduce the risk of cancer;
• can improve digestive health. (Healthline)

As with any other kind of food, moderation is key, which stands for both lemons and lavender in this recipe.

What ingredients do I need for this lavender lemonade cocktail?

This lavender lemonade alcoholic drink recipe doesn’t actually require that many ingredients. And apart from the culinary lavender and vodka, everything else is a pantry item. To start off, you will need water, sugar and lavender buds to make the simple syrup. Then you will need lemons, ice, water and vodka to finish off your drink. On top, you might want to add some garnish like rosemary and more lavender buds, but they are optional.

Can I substitute anything in this lavender lemonade cocktail recipe?

As lavender and lemons are the main ingredients of this recipe we can’t avoid using them. But in the case of vodka, you could swap it for another kind of alcohol if it’s not your usual choice. Anything that won’t overpower the flavour of lavender like gin or maybe rum, but give them a taste before as we have never tried them with this recipe.

How to make a lavender lemonade cocktail

To start off this Lavender Lemonade Cocktail you have to begin with your lavender simple syrup. Now, it’s quite straightforward and easy to make it, so don’t worry! In a medium-sized pot, over medium heat, bring to simmer the water, sugar and lavender, making sure to stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

When it’s ready, take it off the heat and let it steep for ten minutes so that it will infuse and then strain it into an airtight bottle. I also read on Oh, How Civilized that the colour of the syrup might differ depending on the colour of your lavender flowers, so you might get a more purple one or a more beige tone, but both are fine.

After the syrup is done, we move to make the lemonade. Peel two lemons with a vegetable peeler making sure you don’t peel a lot of the white fleshy part, as it will make your lemonade bitter. Put the lemon peels in a blender. Proceed to squeeze the four lemons – two peeled lemons included- and pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the blender with the water.

Blend everything for thirty seconds to a minute, and you will get a creamy cloudy texture to your lemonade. Strain your liquid in a serving pitcher and discard the peels. Add the lavender syrup and vodka to your pitcher and mix well.

You can either refrigerate for later or directly serve. Pour the lavender lemonade over ice and add some garnish on top. You can use a slice of lemon, some lavender buds or a rosemary sprig to garnish your cocktails and enjoy your lavender lemonade alcoholic drink!

Do I have to make blended lemonade instead of a classic squeezed lemonade?

Blending instead of squeezing is required here because it will give you a creamier texture to your lemonade. Using peels which contain oils, helps give your lemonade more body than your usual squeezed lemon juice.

Also some recipes call for the entirety of the lemons to be blended, but in this case, all you have to do is ass the skin of two of the lemons and then squeeze all of the four ones required.

Can I avoid making the lavender simple syrup?

Actually, the lavender simple syrup is a must-step in this recipe, so long story short, no, you can’t avoid it. But there’s a reason behind it. The syrup will get mixed with the lemonade to make this cocktail. And secondly, it’s the best way that you can get that distinct flavour of lavender to use in any drink or dessert recipe.

But I hear you, won’t it taste soapy or too perfumy? It actually won’t as the lavender we use is a culinary grade one, which will make all the difference and give a floral flavour, hinting at mint and rosemary. Among the many benefits of this lavender simple syrup, should I mention the colour? I was in awe by the shade of violet that came out and

Simona attested that any leftover works amazing even in a glass of milk, rest assured! Or if you fancy another cocktail, I heard that a lemon lavender martini works wonders. Any leftover syrup, or if you make it in advance, will be fine if kept in an air tight bottle for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I make this lavender lemonade into a mocktail recipe?

Absolutely! This lavender lemonade tastes delicious even without alcohol and it’s actually the perfect recipe for a mocktail. You will get the tartness of lemons juxtaposed to the sweetness of the lavender, for a complex but easy-to-drink mocktail! This lavender lemonade is also the perfect way to give a bit of pizzazz to a regular lemonade recipe, turning up a notch your hosting game!

Also, if you want to substitute vodka for a non-alcoholic choice, apple cider vinegar is used in a lot of mocktail recipes to replace it, but as there’s lemon already you might have to adjust. A great choice would be topping it up with sparkling water, sprite or any soda you like that you think could work. You will get a delicious lavender lemonade mocktail recipe that is perfect for everyone to try!

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