Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Recipe

I absolutely love this blueberry lavender lemonade because it perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors while offering a floral twist that feels upscale and refreshing. Plus, crafting it is a delightful ritual that transforms a simple afternoon into a soothing, aromatic experience with just a few easy steps.

I adore crafting invigorating beverages, and of all the drinks I’ve created, this Blueberry Lavender Lemonade ranks among my absolute favorites. The act of mashing fresh blueberries releases their sweet juices, and the addition of dried culinary lavender bestows an almost otherworldly taste to the drink.

The freshly squeezed juice of the lemon not only flavors the drink, but also provides a delightful zesty punch of Vitamin C.

Ingredients

Blueberries are fresh: An abundance of antioxidants makes these delightful little berries an excellent choice for flavor, not to mention health.

Culinary lavender that has been dried: Yields a scent offering floral notes and a calming fragrance.

Sugar that is in a granular form: Makes the drink sweet and balances out the tartness of the citrus.

Lemon juice, freshly squeezed: With abundant vitamin C, a refreshing tartness prevails.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 4 cups water
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh blueberries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together 1 cup of fresh blueberries, 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.

2. Combine 1 cup of water with the sugar in the saucepan, and heat the mixture over medium stirring, until it reaches a full boil and the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. When it reaches a boil, cut down the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the blueberries have given up their juices and the syrup smells amazing.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat and sift the blueberry lavender syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pushing down on the sopping solids to extract as much liquid as you can. It is best to use a bowl with a spout for this step. Pour the syrup into a clean container and store in the refrigerator.

5. Permit the syrup to reach room temperature before proceeding.

6. In a pitcher, mix the cooled blueberry lavender syrup with 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.

7. Combine the remaining three cups of water in the pitcher and stir thoroughly to blend.

8. Chill and let the flavors meld in the lemonade by refrigerating it for at least 1 hour.

9. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade, flavored with blueberry and lavender, over the ice.

10. If desired, garnish with fresh lavender sprigs, lemon slices, and blueberries, and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Stirring spoon
5. Fine mesh sieve
6. Bowl with spout
7. Pitcher
8. Refrigerator
9. Glasses for serving
10. Cutting board (optional for garnish preparation)
11. Knife (optional for garnish preparation)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?Frozen blueberries can be used. Just ensure they are thawed prior to use.
• Is there a substitute for dried lavender?Omit the dried lavender or use a lavender syrup for a similar flavor if you don’t have the dried flowers.
• How long can I store the lemonade?For the best taste, keep the blueberry lavender lemonade in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 days.
• Can I reduce the amount of sugar?Certainly! You may alter the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your taste, or you may use a sugar substitute.
• How can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?All you need to do is double or triple the ingredients, depending on how much you want to make, while keeping the same proportions.
• What if I don’t have fresh lemons?Bottled lemon juice can be used, but using fresh-squeezed is better for flavor.
• Is lavender a strong flavor in this drink?The lavender contributes a soft floral quality, but it shouldn’t drown out the other flavors. Alter the amount to suit your taste.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup fresh blueberries: You can use frozen blueberries instead, but make sure to thaw them first.
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender: Substitute with 1 tablespoon of the fresh lavender flowers.
1 cup granulated sugar: Use 3/4 cup honey or 1 cup agave syrup instead.
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Substitutions: Use 1 cup bottled lemon juice or 1 cup lime juice for a twist.
4 cups water: Substitute with 4 cups sparkling water for a fizzy version.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Depth Lightly muddle the fresh blueberries before cooking them with the sugar and lavender to release more juice and enhance the syrup’s flavor.

2. Strain for Clarity For a clear lemonade, use a double-straining method with both a fine mesh sieve and a piece of cheesecloth to ensure all blueberry skins and lavender particles are removed from the syrup.

3. Adjust Sweetness Taste the lemonade after mixing all components and adjust the sweetness to your preference. If it’s too tart, you can add a bit more sugar or a drizzle of honey.

4. Infusion Booster For a stronger lavender flavor, allow the dried lavender to steep in the hot syrup slightly longer, but be cautious of overpowering the drink. Taste periodically.

5. Ice Preparations Make blueberry and lavender ice cubes by placing a couple of blueberries and a lavender bud in each ice cube tray compartment before adding water and freezing. This keeps your drink cool without diluting the flavors as the ice melts.