A vibrant, floral twist on classic lemonade featuring sweet blueberries and fresh lemon juice infused with culinary lavender. Perfect for summer gatherings, this non-alcoholic drink combines natural fruit sweetness with a fragrant herbal note for a spa-like, refreshing sip.
2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water (for blueberry syrup)
2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (about 10-12 lemons)
5 cups cold filtered water
Ice cubes
Fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices for garnish
Make the blueberry syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups blueberries, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until blueberries burst and mixture thickens slightly.
Infuse with lavender: Remove the pan from heat and stir in dried lavender buds. Let the syrup steep for 10 minutes to release the floral aroma, then remove the lavender buds to prevent bitterness.
Strain the mixture: Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing with a wooden spoon to extract liquid. Discard solids and let the syrup cool completely.
Add the lemon brightness: Stir in 1.5 cups fresh lemon juice and 5 cups cold filtered water. Adjust sweetness with additional sugar dissolved in warm water if desired.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Pour over ice and garnish with blueberries, lemon slices, and fresh lavender.
Use fully ripe blueberries for maximum flavor.
Steep the lavender just 10 minutes to avoid a bitter taste.
Adjust water quantity to achieve your preferred tartness. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://viralchickenrecipes.com/blueberry-lavender-lemonade/