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–+ servings

Lavender Iced Tea Mocktail Recipe

Lavender Iced Tea Mocktail Recipe
I wanted this lavender iced tea mocktail to be refreshing and fragrant, but not fussy. I measured each step carefully to keep the taste light, with just enough lavender to notice but not so much it takes over.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 2

Equipment

  • 1 large heatproof pitcher or glass jar (at least 1 quart)
  • 1 Small saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • 1 Stirring spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kettle or pot for boiling water
  • Citrus juicer (optional)
  • Ice cube tray
  • Tall glasses for serving
  • Small bowl for mixing lavender and sugar
  • Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for spills

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 black tea bags or green tea bags
  • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
  • 1/4 cup sugar or your favorite sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Lavender sprigs optional for garnish

Instructions

  • Boil 3 cups of water in a kettle or saucepan.
  • Pour hot water into the pitcher over the tea bags and dried lavender.
  • Let tea and lavender steep for 5–7 minutes.
  • While that’s happening, mix sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves.
  • Strain the tea mixture into the pitcher to get rid of the tea bags and lavender buds.
  • Stir in the sugar syrup and lemon juice.
  • Add ice cubes right into the pitcher or just pour the tea over ice in tall glasses.
  • Garnish with lemon slices and, if you’re feeling fancy, a lavender sprig before serving.

Notes

You can usually find culinary lavender at bigger grocery stores or specialty shops. Too much lavender and the drink gets weirdly soapy, so I always measure it out. I skip flavored black tea because it just competes with the lavender.
If I make this ahead, I’ll stash it in the fridge for up to two days. I only add ice and garnish when it’s time to serve, so it stays fresh and cold. Sometimes I swap in honey or agave instead of sugar, just to mix things up.