Lavender Lemonade from Scratch (Honey-Sweetened)

Want to see what culinary lavender can really do? Start here. Steep a spoonful of buds into a honey syrup, squeeze a pile of lemons and you've made the classic lavender lemonade people look for every summer. It takes about 25 minutes and serves six.

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Why this pairing works

Steeping lavender in warm honey syrup pulls out its sweet floral oils without the grassy bitterness you get from boiling it. Honey adds a rounder sweetness than sugar, and lemon's sharp acidity keeps the floral notes bright instead of perfumy.

Why is lavender lemonade pink or purple?

Lavender buds contain natural pigments that change color with acidity. The steeped syrup looks pale gold or gray-violet, then turns soft pink the moment it meets lemon juice. Bright purple lavender lemonade from a cafe usually has added coloring. For a deeper natural tint, steep a handful of blueberries with the lavender.

How much lavender should you use?

One tablespoon of dried culinary buds per cup of syrup gives a clear but gentle lavender flavor in a six-serving pitcher. Use 2 teaspoons for a lighter taste, and never more than 1 1/2 tablespoons, or the lemonade can taste soapy. Use culinary English lavender; craft lavender and lavandins taste more medicinal. Our culinary lavender guide explains the difference.

Can you make it with sugar instead of honey?

Yes. Swap the honey for 3/4 cup sugar, simmer it with the water until dissolved, then take it off the heat and steep the lavender. Sugar gives a cleaner, more classic lemonade flavor; honey gives a rounder, floral one. Lavender sugar doubles the lavender flavor.

How do you make it for a party?

• Big batch: triple the recipe for a 1 1/2 gallon drink dispenser, about 18 servings.
• Make ahead: make the syrup and squeeze the lemons up to 3 days ahead; mix with cold water just before serving.
• Sparkling: replace 2 cups of the cold water with chilled sparkling water right before serving.
• Frozen: blend 2 cups of lemonade with 3 cups of ice for a lavender lemonade slush.
• Lemonade bar: set out berries, mint, citrus slices and honey sticks so guests can build their own. See our lavender lemonade bar.

Make it your own

• Swap 1 cup of the water for sparkling water right before serving.
• Freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays to chill the next pitcher without diluting it.
• Muddle a handful of strawberries or raspberries into the pitcher for a berry version.
• Stir in a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does lavender lemonade last?

About 3 to 4 days covered in the fridge. The lavender syrup on its own keeps about 2 weeks.

Can I use fresh lavender?

Yes. Use about 3 tablespoons of fresh flowers from culinary lavender that was grown without pesticides not approved for food.

Is lavender lemonade good for you?

It is a lightly sweetened homemade lemonade, with less sugar than most bottled versions. Enjoy it as a treat.

Can kids drink lavender lemonade?

Yes, it is a family favorite. Remember that honey is not safe for babies under 1 year old; use the sugar version for little ones.

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