Start by combining dried culinary lavender, 1 cup of water, and sugar (or honey) in a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir slowly until the sugar fully dissolves. The heat helps extract the floral oils from lavender, which creates the base flavor for this refreshing drink.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture steep for 10–15 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the lavender flavor to infuse into the syrup without becoming overpowering. For a lighter taste, steep for less time, and for stronger flavor, leave it a little longer.
Using a fine mesh strainer, remove all lavender buds from the syrup. This keeps the drink smooth and free from bits. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before mixing. If you add it hot, it could melt the ice too quickly and water down the lemonade.
In a large pitcher, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and add 3 cups of cold water. Stir well to create a balanced lemony base. At this stage, you can taste the mix and decide if you prefer more tartness or if you’d like it sweeter. Adjust accordingly with extra lemon or sugar.
Pour the cooled lavender syrup into the lemon mixture and stir well to combine. Once mixed, refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. The cooling time also helps the drink taste more refreshing when served.
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour in the Lavender Lemonade. Garnish each glass with lemon slices, a sprig of lavender, or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy its fresh, calming flavors on a warm day.