Have you ever sipped something so refreshing it instantly transported you to a sun-drenched lavender field in Provence? That’s exactly what this lavender lemonade mocktail does! I first discovered this magical purple concoction at a friend’s garden party last summer, and I’ve been OBSESSED ever since.
The subtle floral notes of lavender paired with bright, zesty lemons create a drink that’s not just Instagram-worthy but totally craveable too. According to a recent food trends survey, floral-infused beverages are among the top 5 drink trends of 2025, and this lavender lemonade is leading the pack!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, baby shower, or just need a special non-alcoholic option for your next gathering, this lavender lemonade is guaranteed to impress. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8 glasses
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lavender Lemonade
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this refreshing mocktail:
For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds (or 4-5 fresh lavender sprigs)
For the Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 6-8 lemons)
- 4-5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices for garnish
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Pitcher
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Measuring cups
Always use culinary lavender rather than decorative or craft lavender. The latter may be treated with chemicals not intended for consumption. You can find culinary lavender at specialty food stores, farmers markets, or online. My personal favorite is Provence lavender, which has the perfect balance of flavor and fragrance.
Fresh lemons are absolutely non-negotiable here! The bottled stuff just doesn’t compare. Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size and have a slight give when squeezed – these will yield the most juice.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup from Scratch
The heart of this recipe is the lavender-infused simple syrup. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time:
- Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the dried lavender buds, stir once, and immediately remove from heat.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and allow the lavender to steep for 30 minutes. (This is where the magic happens – don’t rush this step!)
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a heat-safe bowl or jar.
- Pour the mixture through the strainer to remove the lavender buds.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.
Pro tip: Don’t steep the lavender longer than 30 minutes, as it can start to extract bitter compounds from the lavender. The goal is a delicate, floral flavor – not an overwhelming one!
Your lavender simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s great to have on hand for impromptu gatherings or whenever you’re craving this special drink!
Step-by-Step Lavender Lemonade Recipe
Now that your lavender simple syrup is ready, let’s make the lemonade:
- Squeeze the lemons: Cut lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or reamer. Remove any seeds, but don’t worry about removing all the pulp – it adds character! You’ll need about 1 cup of juice.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 cup of the lavender simple syrup.
- Add water: Pour in 4 cups of cold water and stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust: This is important! Taste your lemonade and adjust to your preference. If it’s too tart, add more lavender syrup (1 tablespoon at a time). If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice or water.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Pour over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices.
The perfect lavender lemonade should be refreshing with a subtle floral aroma that enhances rather than overwhelms the bright lemony flavor. The color should be a light purple that deepens slightly when poured over ice.
Creative Garnish Ideas for Your Lavender Lemonade
Let’s take your lavender lemonade from delicious to showstopping with these garnish ideas:
Lavender Ice Cubes
Freeze small lavender buds or sprigs in ice cubes for a gorgeous presentation that won’t dilute your drink as the ice melts.
Sugared Rim
Mix a small amount of finely ground dried lavender with sugar, then rim your glasses for an extra sweet touch and beautiful presentation.
Floating Flowers
Add a few food-safe edible flowers like pansies or violets to float on top of your drink. Just make sure your flowers are organically grown and safe for consumption!
Lemon Twist Spirals
Create long, thin spirals of lemon peel and drape them decoratively over the edge of each glass.
Fresh Herb Additions
A sprig of fresh mint or thyme can complement the lavender beautifully and add another layer of visual interest.
For special occasions, I love to add a thin slice of star fruit on the rim of the glass – it adds a whimsical touch that guests always comment on!
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, have fun with these delicious variations:
Lavender Blueberry Lemonade
Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to your lavender syrup while it’s still hot. Let them steep together, then strain. The blueberries deepen both the flavor and the purple color!
Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
Replace half the water with sparkling water or club soda, added just before serving for a fizzy twist.
Lavender-Mint Lemonade
Add 5-6 fresh mint leaves to each glass and muddle gently before pouring in your lavender lemonade.
Honey Lavender Lemonade
Replace the granulated sugar with honey in your simple syrup for a more complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with lavender.
Strawberry Lavender Lemonade
Purée 1 cup of fresh strawberries and add to the finished lemonade for a berry twist and gorgeous pink-purple color.
I’ve tried all these variations, and honestly, the strawberry version might even edge out the original as my favorite for hot summer afternoons by the pool!
Turning Your Mocktail into a Cocktail
For adult gatherings, this lavender lemonade makes an excellent base for cocktails. Here are my favorite boozy additions:
Lavender Gin Fizz
Add 1.5 oz of gin per glass, top with lavender lemonade, and finish with a splash of club soda. The botanical notes in gin complement lavender perfectly.
Vodka Lavender Lemonade
Add 1.5 oz of good quality vodka per glass for a clean, crisp cocktail that lets the lavender shine.
Lavender Lemonade Prosecco Punch
Fill glasses halfway with lavender lemonade and top with chilled prosecco or champagne for a celebratory drink that’s perfect for summer brunches.
Lavender Bourbon Smash
Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a rocks glass, add ice, 1.5 oz of bourbon, and fill with lavender lemonade for a Southern-inspired cocktail.
Remember to adjust the sweetness of your lemonade base when making cocktails – you might want to make it slightly sweeter to balance the alcohol.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Lavender Lemonade
This gorgeous drink is versatile enough for almost any gathering:
Summer Garden Parties
The purple hue and floral notes make it perfect for outdoor entertaining against a backdrop of blooming flowers.
Baby and Bridal Showers
The soft purple color is perfect for shower themes, and the non-alcoholic version ensures everyone can enjoy it.
Self-Care Sundays
Pair with a good book and some relaxing music for the ultimate me-time experience. Lavender’s calming properties make this the perfect stress-relief beverage.
Afternoon Tea Parties
Serve alongside scones and finger sandwiches for a modern twist on traditional tea.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Create a patriotic drink station with this purple lavender lemonade alongside classic red and blue berry beverages.
I served this at my sister’s garden-themed baby shower last month, and guests were taking photos of their drinks all afternoon! It’s definitely a conversation starter.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prepare components ahead of time:
Lavender Simple Syrup
Make this up to two weeks in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
You can squeeze the lemons up to 24 hours in advance. Store the juice in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Complete Lavender Lemonade
The fully prepared lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as everything melds together!
If your lavender lemonade has been sitting for more than a day, give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
For longer storage, freeze the lavender simple syrup in ice cube trays. Each cube will be approximately 2 tablespoons of syrup, making it easy to thaw just what you need.
