Ready to exchange your usual lemonade recipe for something a little more exciting? Lemon balm and lavender add a delightfully unexpected twist to this traditional summer favorite. While lavender can be a strong herb, the flavor is noticeable but well balanced in this lavender lemonade recipe. To jazz it up for a summer party, substitute the additional cold water with vodka and a splash of tonic water for a refreshing, easy-drinking lavender lemonade cocktail.
Yield: 4½ cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups water + 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1½ cups lemon juice
- ¾ cup lemon balm, chopped
- ½ tsp dried or 2 sprigs fresh lavender
Instructions
- Place sugar and 2 cups of water in a small pot over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add lemon balm and lavender. Let herbs steep for at least 20 minutes.
- Strain into a large pitcher, discarding lemon balm and lavender. Add lemon juice and the additional cup of cold water to the pitcher.
- Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Stir lavender lemonade well before serving. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh lemon balm.
Featured Ingredient: Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is a lovely mild herb named for the lemony scent of its leaves. Originally grown in southern Europe, lemon balm is often used in combination with other herbs and is frequently found in poultry and fish dishes, desserts, and teas. It also makes a nice addition to flower arrangements, and wonderful scented sachets when dried. Plant lemon balm at the edge of a gate, so when the gate opens and closes, the lemony scent will fill the air. Learn how to grow lemon balm in your garden.