Makers Gonna Make: Lavender Lemonade

This recipe combines the subtle aroma of lavender with the classic flavor of cold, refreshing lemonade. Its vibrant and beautiful hue makes this a fun beverage for the kids to enjoy on a hot summer day or for moms to turn into cocktails for a rejuvenating night in with friends. You can even consider serving this simple drink at your next BBQ, picnic, dinner party and more! The combination of citrus and floral undertones will make this drink a hit, no matter who you’re serving it to or what you’re serving it with.

When using lavender in recipes, I find it’s best to use fresh lavender (but you can easily use dried lavender for this recipe as well). Just remember; use lavender sparingly. Like rosemary, this highly fragrant herb doesn’t take much! Too much and your risk your recipe tasting like our Lavender soap (great for showers, not so great for beverages).

Ingredients

• 6 cups of water
• ½ cup of sugar
• ¼ cup of honey
• 3 tbsp of lavender (pull the flowers off the stem before measuring)
• 2 cups of fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon slices and sprigs of lavender for garnish (optional)

Tools

Measuring cup, measuring spoons, juice squeezer (if you don’t want to do it by hand), pot, pitcher

Let’s do it!

1. Combine water and sugar in a large pot over medium heat and bring to a boil under the sugar is dissolved.
2. Turn off the heat and stir in honey and lavender.
3. Allow your mixture to steep for 2 hours (1 hour if you want less of a lavender flavor), keeping the heat off.
4. Strain the liquid, removing the lavender, and mix in your fresh squeezed lemon juice.
5. Pour into a large pitcher, serve over ice with some lemon and lavender as garnish, and enjoy!