Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? The Lavender Lemon Refresher Mocktail combines sweet floral notes with zesty citrus for a perfect spring or summer beverage.
This simple mocktail requires just four ingredients: lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, soda water, and ice.
The beautiful purple color makes this drink Instagram-worthy, while the calming properties of lavender offer a subtle relaxation effect. It’s perfect for garden parties, baby showers, or anytime you want something special without alcohol.
Preparation takes less than five minutes, making it an easy option for both planned gatherings and spontaneous refreshment. The recipe can be doubled or tripled for serving larger groups.
Lavender Lemon Refresher Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon or muddler
- Ice cube trays
- Cocktail glasses
- Citrus juicer
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried culinary lavender
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
- 4 cups sparkling water or club soda
- 1 lemon thinly sliced for garnish
- Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish optional
- Ice cubes
The quality of ingredients matters for this recipe. Use culinary-grade lavender to ensure it’s safe for consumption.
Instructions
- Make lavender syrup: Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Add dried lavender, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a container. Discard the lavender buds. Cool the syrup completely in the refrigerator (about 1 hour).
- Mix the base: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled lavender syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to mix.
- Prepare for serving: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the lavender-lemon mixture until glasses are 1/2 full.
- Top with sparkling water to fill each glass. Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh lavender if desired.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Lavender Lemon Refresher Mocktail has a bright, citrusy flavor profile with subtle floral notes. The fresh lemon juice provides a tangy base that wakes up the taste buds immediately.
Lavender adds a gentle, aromatic quality that doesn’t overwhelm but complements the lemon perfectly. This herbal note lingers pleasantly after each sip.
The honey simple syrup brings just enough sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon without making the drink too sweet.
When properly chilled with ice, the mocktail has a crisp, refreshing finish that makes it particularly enjoyable on warm days.
Flavor Balance:
- Primary: Bright lemon
- Secondary: Gentle lavender
- Background: Honey sweetness
The carbonation from soda water adds a light effervescence that enhances the drinking experience. It creates tiny bubbles that help carry the aroma to your nose as you sip.
The optional garnish of fresh lavender sprigs not only looks beautiful but also intensifies the floral aroma when you bring the glass to your lips.
Substitutes
Can’t find lavender or lemons for your refresher? No problem. Here are some easy swaps that work well.
For lavender, try using rosemary or thyme as alternatives. These herbs add a similar aromatic quality to the drink. You can also use a drop of food-grade lavender essential oil instead of dried lavender.
Limes make a perfect substitute for lemons. They give a similar tangy flavor but with a different twist. If you don’t have fresh lemons or limes, bottled juice works too, though the flavor won’t be as bright.
Instead of honey, try maple syrup, agave nectar, or simple syrup. Each sweetener brings its own flavor profile to the mocktail.
No soda water? Flat water with a splash of apple cider vinegar can add the needed tang. For a sweeter version, try ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.
These substitutions help you create your refresher even when you’re missing key ingredients. Mix and match based on what you have on hand.
