Description

This refreshing beverage offers a sophisticated, floral twist on a backyard classic, perfect for warm afternoons or evening gatherings. By steeping the lavender for a shorter, precise window, the flavor remains light and aromatic without becoming bitter or soapy. It contains no added sugar and is low-carb, delivering a crisp, thirst-quenching experience without the heavy sweetness of traditional concentrates.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Water (for steeping) (240 ml)
2 Tbsp Dried culinary lavender buds
1 tiny pinch Fine sea salt (optional, helps pop the citrus flavor)
¾ cup Freshly squeezed lemon juice (from approx. 4–5 large lemons) (180 ml)
½ tsp Liquid stevia (plus more to taste, or substitute ⅓ cup powdered erythritol/monk fruit blend)
4 cups Club soda or sparkling water, well-chilled (950 ml)
2 cups Ice cubes (plus more for serving)
Garnish: Fresh lemon wheels or fresh lavender sprigs

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Instructions

Steep the lavender: Bring the 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan or kettle. Remove from heat. Place the 2 Tbsp dried lavender and pinch of salt in a heat-proof bowl or large glass jar. Pour the boiling water over the buds and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes (until the water turns a pale golden-purple and smells floral but not medicinal).
Strain and sweeten: Pour the lavender tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove all flower buds. While the liquid is still warm, stir in the ½ tsp liquid stevia (or powdered sweetener) until fully dissolved.
Add citrus base and cool: Stir the ¾ cup lemon juice into the sweetened lavender water. Let this concentrate cool on the counter for about 15 minutes (or place in the fridge) before proceeding, to prevent the ice from melting too quickly and diluting the flavor.
Assemble: Once the base is cool, add the 2 cups of ice to the pitcher. Gently pour in the 4 cups chilled club soda to preserve the carbonation. Stir gently to combine.
Serve: Pour into tall glasses over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a fresh lavender sprig for aroma.

Notes

Allergy Alert: Lavender is part of the mint family. Ensure guests do not have specific floral allergies.
Culinary Lavender: Ensure you buy “culinary grade” lavender. Lavender sold for potpourri or crafts may be treated with pesticides or perfumes not safe for consumption.
Why it works:
- Short Steep Time: Reducing the steep time from hours to 20 minutes prevents the release of excess tannins, which can make lavender taste like soap.
- Salt: A tiny pinch of salt suppresses bitterness in the lemon pith and enhances the perception of sweetness.
Key Success Warnings:
- Do not boil the buds: Pour hot water over the buds rather than boiling them in the water to preserve the delicate essential oils.
- Add soda last: If you add the club soda too early, the lemonade will go flat. Add it immediately before serving.
Variation: For a “Pink Lemonade” effect, add 1-2 smashed raspberries to the steeping water, then strain them out.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is calculated using third-party databases and is provided as a courtesy. Since values vary by brand and produce, we suggest calculating them yourself for the most accurate results.