How to Make Lavender Lemonade with Fresh or Dried Lavender

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There’s something magical about the delicate floral notes of lavender paired with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. While often celebrated for its soothing scent, lavender is also a versatile culinary herb that can be used to infuse flavor into both sweet and savory recipes. When added to drinks like lemonade, lavender not only enhances the flavor with its subtly sweet and herbaceous notes—it also imparts its naturally calming and relaxing qualities to the beverage. Whether you’re harvesting fresh blossoms from your garden or using dried buds from your herbal pantry, lavender lemonade is a refreshing and uplifting drink, perfect for hot summer days or quiet moments of rest.

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to make your own lavender-infused lemonade, including:

• Which types of lavender are best for culinary use
• How to infuse it safely and gently
• A recipe using either fresh or dried lavender
• Where to buy high-quality culinary lavender if you don’t grow your own

Why Lavender?

Lavender (Lavandula) isn’t just a feast for the senses in the garden—it’s also a calming herb traditionally used to support the nervous system. A simple infusion of lavender can:

• Help reduce stress and anxiety
• Gently soothe headaches
• Add a unique and elegant floral note to food and drinks

And when paired with bright, tangy lemons, it becomes the perfect summer refresher.

What Kind of Lavender Is Safe for Cooking?

Although all types of lavender are edible, not all varieties are created equal in the kitchen. It is important to select lavender that is intended for culinary use for the best flavor. Some types of lavender, as listed below, contain high amounts of camphor that make them overly aromatic for culinary purposes. You can grow or purchase lavender for food-grade use. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best lavender for making lavender lemonade.

Best Types of Lavender for Lemonade & Culinary Use:

• Lavandula angustifolia (also known as English lavender or “true” lavender)
  • Varieties like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are favorites for cooking
  • These have a sweet, mild flavor and less camphor (bitterness)

What to Avoid:

• Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia)
  • This hybrid has a stronger, more medicinal flavor due to its higher camphor content
  • Better suited for soaps, sachets, and cleaning products

Lavender-Infused Lemonade Recipe

You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (or 2 tablespoons fresh lavender blossoms, packed loosely)
• 1 cup water (for making lavender syrup)
• 1 cup sugar (or honey for a lighter flavor)
• 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
• 4–5 cups cold water, to dilute
• Optional: lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon
• Small saucepan
• Citrus juicer
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Bottles or glass jars for storing the lavender syrup
• Large pitcher
• Free printable gift tags

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Lavender Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (or ¾ cup honey)
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender (or 2 tablespoons fresh)

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let steep for 15–20 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the lavender. Let the syrup cool completely before using.

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2. Combine Your Lemonade

In a large pitcher:

• Pour in 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• Add lavender syrup to taste (start with 1/8th cup and add more as needed)
• Add 4–5 cups of cold water and stir well
• Chill before serving

Serve over ice with lemon slices and a sprig of lavender or mint for a lovely garden touch.

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Print Free Lavender Syrup Gift Tags: Free Printable

Enhance your gifting by adding a gift tag your lavender syrup. Download, print, cut out, hole punch, and thread a piece of ribbon or string through the tag and attach it to your bottle syrup. Click the link above in the Tools You’ll Need scetion, or the download button below to immediatly download your gift tags.

Where to Buy Culinary Lavender (If You Don’t Grow Your Own)

If your garden isn’t blooming just yet—or you’re still building your herb collection—you can easily buy dried culinary lavender online or at local natural food stores.

Trusted Sources for Culinary-Grade Dried Lavender:

• Mountain Rose Herbs – Certified organic and high quality
• Starwest Botanicals – Offers bulk options and testing for purity
• Etsy Shops – Look for organic, food-grade labels and excellent reviews

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Make It Yours

One of our favorite ways to enjoy this versatile recipe is mixing 50% lavender lemonade with 50% sparkling water. Poured over botanical or regular ice cubes, this beverage recipe makes it so satisfying during the hot summer days. Here are some of our other methods for adapting this tasty recipe:

• Add a splash of sparkling water or soda for a fizzy twist
• Mix in crushed berries for a vibrant pink hue
• Use honey or maple syrup for a more earthy sweetness
• Freeze into popsicles for hot days

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A Final Note: Savor the Ritual

Making lavender lemonade isn’t just about the drink—it’s about creating a little pause in your day—a moment to stir, steep, breathe deeply, and connect with something simple and beautiful. I have always loved the simplicity and tradition of lemonade in the summer. Adding lavender syrup elevates this recipe to a more luxurious experience that feels like such a deep level of self-care.

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