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This thirst-quenching coconut lavender lemonade combines tangy lemon zest with calming lavender touches and the exotic feel of coconut water. It's become my favorite summer drink for backyard get-togethers and lazy Sunday afternoons, giving a fancy spin to classic lemonade that wins over grown-ups and kids alike.
I came up with this drink when I threw a baby shower during a scorching July. The expecting mom couldn't drink alcohol, but I wanted something fancier than plain lemonade. The guests went crazy for it, and now everyone asks me to bring it to summer parties.
What You'll Need
- Fresh lemon juice: Gives that zingy tartness. Always squeeze your own lemons instead of using the bottled stuff for a cleaner taste.
- Infused coconut water: Brings light tropical vibes and natural minerals. Go for pure coconut water with no added sweeteners.
- Dried lavender: Adds gentle floral scent. Make sure to get food-grade lavender so it won't taste like perfume.
- Honey or agave syrup: Adds natural sweetness. Nearby honey offers subtle flavor notes while agave stays more in the background.
- Sparkling water: Adds the fizz factor. Pick one with tiny bubbles for a fancy feel in your mouth.
- Ice cubes: Keep things cool without watering down too fast. Try making lavender or lemon ice for extra fancy points.
- Lemon slices and lavender sprigs: More than just decoration. They boost the smell as you drink.
How To Make It
- Make Your Lavender Mix:
- Put the coconut water and dried lavender in a medium pot. Warm it gently on low heat, but don't let it boil or it'll taste bitter. Let it sit warming for exactly 10 minutes, giving it a stir now and then to pull out the lavender oils. The mix should smell nice but not overpowering. Take it off the heat and let it sit another 10 minutes to soak up all the flavor.
- Filter Out The Flowers:
- After the mix cools a bit, pour it through a fine strainer to catch all the lavender bits. Push down gently with a spoon to get all the tasty liquid out. Put the strained coconut water in a clean container. It should look slightly purple and smell softly flowery.
- Blend Your Drink:
- In a big pitcher, mix your lavender coconut water with fresh lemon juice. Add the honey or agave, starting with a little less than called for. Stir hard with a long spoon for half a minute until the sweet stuff melts into the liquid. Take a sip and add more sweetener if needed.
- Make It Bubbly:
- Right before you serve, slowly tip the sparkling water into the pitcher at a slant to keep the bubbles alive. Give it just one or two gentle stirs with a long spoon to mix without losing fizz. You'll see the mix brighten up with tiny bubbles floating to the top.
- Pour And Enjoy:
- Fill glasses halfway with ice, then pour your finished lemonade over top. Add a thin lemon slice on the edge of each glass and a tiny sprig of fresh lavender. The lavender will give off more smell as you drink, making each sip even better.
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Lavender really makes this drink special. I grow French lavender in my backyard just for cooking, and wow, the difference between garden-fresh and store-bought is huge. My kids now know when the lavender's ready to pick and can't wait to help make this special drink.
Prep In Advance
You can fix the base of this lemonade up to three days early. Just do everything except adding the sparkling water. Keep the mix in a sealed container in your fridge. The lavender taste actually gets a bit stronger over time, making an even more fragrant drink. When you're ready to serve, just add the bubbly water and ice. This works great when you've got lots of people coming over.
Mix It Up
Feel free to play around with this recipe based on what you've got handy. Swap out lavender for some fresh basil or mint for an herby change. Smash in some strawberries or blueberries for a fruity kick. For fancy parties, freeze tiny flowers in ice cubes to wow your guests. My favorite twist is tossing in a few sprigs of rosemary with the lavender during the heating step for an interesting herb combo.
Good For You Too
This lemonade isn't just tasty—it's got some perks for your body too. The coconut water gives you potassium and natural minerals that help keep you hydrated. Lemons pack vitamin C and antioxidants. Lavender can help you relax and calm an upset stomach. Using natural sweeteners like honey or agave keeps the sugar impact lower than regular lemonade. That makes it a summer drink you can enjoy without any guilt all season long.
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A cool drink packed with taste, great for any time you need refreshment!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can lavender essential oil replace dried lavender?
No, it’s best not to swap for lavender essential oils as they’re usually too strong and not safe for food. Go with culinary-grade dried or fresh lavender instead for safety and the right flavor balance.
- → How long can this stay fresh in the fridge?
As long as you don't add the sparkling water, the base will be fine for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Add sparkling water just before drinking to keep it fizzy.
- → Can I prep this ahead for guests?
Sure! You can make the coconut, lemon, and lavender mix up to a day ahead. Keep it chilled in the fridge and add sparkling water and ice right before serving to keep it fresh and effervescent.
- → What if I don’t have coconut water?
If coconut water's not available, use plain water instead, but you’ll miss the tropical flavor. Another option is to use something like chamomile tea to give it a different spin.
- → What foods can this be served with?
This drink pairs wonderfully with light dishes like grilled fish, fresh salads, or Mediterranean foods. It also works great with fruity or citrus desserts and is a nice brunch companion.
- → Can I add alcohol to this mix?
Definitely! You can stir in 1.5 oz of vodka, gin, or white rum per serving for an adult twist. To make it bubbly and boozy, swap some sparkling water for champagne or prosecco.