Looking for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings? Lavender lemonade mocktails offer a sweet and tangy taste with a floral twist that can brighten any occasion.
This simple recipe combines fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup, and sparkling water to create a beautiful purple beverage that tastes as good as it looks.
The lavender adds a gentle, aromatic quality to the classic lemonade, making it feel more sophisticated without adding any alcohol. This drink works well for baby showers, afternoon teas, or any event where you want something special that everyone can enjoy.
You can prepare the lavender syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, making this mocktail quick to mix when guests arrive. The recipe also allows for easy adjustments to suit personal preferences for sweetness or tartness.
Lavender Lemonade Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity)
- Small saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tall glasses for serving
- Ice cube tray (optional for lavender ice cubes)
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water for simple syrup
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
Optional additions:
- 1/4 cup honey can substitute for some of the sugar
- 1-2 drops purple food coloring for enhanced color
- Sparkling water to replace some or all of the cold water for a fizzy version
Instructions
- Make the lavender syrup: Combine sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely, about 3-5 minutes.
- Infuse the syrup: Add dried lavender buds to the syrup. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture: Pour the lavender syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing on the buds to extract all the flavor. Discard used lavender buds.
- Add lemon juice: Squeeze lemons and add 1 cup of fresh juice to the pitcher with the lavender syrup.
- Dilute with water: Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Chill the mocktail: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
- Serve: Pour over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Lavender Lemonade Mocktail offers a refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors. The lavender brings a gentle floral note that doesn’t overpower the drink.
When you first sip, you’ll notice the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. This tartness is quickly mellowed by the honey or simple syrup.
The lavender flavor builds subtly in the middle of each taste. It adds an aromatic quality that makes this mocktail more interesting than regular lemonade.
Flavor Profile:
- First taste: Bright lemon with light sweetness
- Mid-palate: Floral lavender notes emerge
- Finish: Clean, refreshing with lingering lavender
The carbonation from sparkling water adds a pleasant fizz that lifts the flavors and makes the drink feel more festive. This bubbly texture helps distribute the flavors across your palate.
This mocktail works best very cold. The cooling temperature helps highlight the delicate lavender while keeping the lemon flavor crisp rather than sour.
Children might find the floral notes unusual at first, but the familiar lemonade base makes it approachable. Adults typically enjoy the more complex flavor profile compared to standard lemonade.
The subtle purple hue of the drink enhances the sensory experience, making the lavender flavor seem more pronounced even though it’s quite mild.
Substitutes
If you don’t have all the ingredients for lavender lemonade, don’t worry. There are several easy swaps you can make.
For the lavender syrup, you can use store-bought lavender syrup instead of making it yourself. This saves time while giving the same flavor.
No fresh lemons? Try using bottled lemon juice. Use about 1/4 cup of bottled juice for every 4-5 fresh lemons the recipe calls for.
Sweetener Options:
- Honey instead of sugar
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
- Stevia (use less as it’s sweeter)
For a different twist, replace some or all of the water with coconut water or sparkling water. This changes the texture and adds new flavors.
Frozen berries make a nice addition too. They cool the drink and add color as they melt.
