I’m back from London, and I already miss the Queen, the polite taxi drivers, and Beefeater (the gin… and the red-coated dudes with the bear skin hats).
London is so lovely. The only problem is that I always feel like I’m doing something disastrously rude or uncouth. I don’t hold my fork and knife in the correct hands. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to clink my tea cup. Good grief, I think I just slurped my tea. Holy smokes… that’s the third time I’ve almost been hit by a car. Which way am I supposed to look down the street!?!?
I’m back in Venice where I can put my feet up on things, and slurp whatever I see fit. There’s a super hippie drum circle taking place down the road… no matter what I do, I look pretty posh in comparison.
In honor of thirst and homecomings, I’ve gussied up a pitcher of lemonade using dried lavender. It’s simple and divine. Most likely Queen and drum circle approved.
Lemons into lemonade.
Lavender into lemonade instead of a sachet.
My parents got this juicer as a wedding gift in 1979. Much like my parents, it’s never allowed to die.
Lavender is steeped in a mixture of warm water, sugar and honey.
The slightly brown color behind the dried lavender buds is natural sugar dissolved in water. Honey adds to the color.
This mixture is super fragrant. Spa and nap inspiring.
Let’s play find the kitten nose.
This lavender lemonade is totally going to be a summer staple. Topped with a bit of unsweetened iced tea… it’s just perfect.
Everyone likes their lemonade to taste different. Some like it sweet. Some like it tart. This version leans towards the sweeter side. Feel free to adjust as you find necessary.
Lavender Lemonade
makes about 8 cups
2 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
3 heaping tablespoons dried culinary lavender
2 cups fresh lemon juice
4 cups water (plus more to your taste)
In a medium pot over medium heat, combine 2 cups water, and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in honey and lavender. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain out lavender and press buds into the bottom of the strainer to release any syrup left behind.
In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, lavender syrup, and water. Stir and chill. Serve cold, over ice.
Allen Lawther
Lemon oil may be used in aromatherapy. Researchers at The Ohio State University found that lemon oil aroma does not influence the human immune system, but may enhance mood.
Lauren Decke
I stumbled upon your website earlier this afternoon, that was at 1pm…. it’s now 6. Amidst my mad dash last minute study for my final exam of the year tomorrow, I am dropping everything to go find everything I need for this recipe, because really… lavender + lemonade = everything being okay!
Silvia Uñas de Gel
Me encanta cocinar con lavanda y va muy bien con limón. De hecho, hoy he hecho barras de limón lavanda para una multitud de gente, y fueron fantásticas!
Carla colesterol
Que buena pinta tienen los refrescos de limonada. Con el calor que hemos pasado hoy en Madrid me beberia uno bien cargadito.
Lorena
oh my oh my, i’m totally preparing this today. thank you !
Angie
Stupid question alert: So I happen to have fresh culinary lavender. Do I need to dry it first before proceeding with this recipe? If so, is there a proper way to dry lavender?
jennifer Duncan
ummm, Joy honey? Where’s the booze? I kept waiting for gin (bourbon would be bad with this) or rum, or even tequila. Straight lemonade? Maybe you had better put Savannah on your list of places to visit to recover from the properness of London. :)
Meli (Blush + Jelly)
This lemonade looks divine! Very fancy and extra refreshing. :)
Jenny
Looks yummy! My mom purchased some lavender sugar and has been trying to find ways to use it up. I will have to forward this to her.
LP @dishclips
This is the most elegant looking lemonade I have ever seen. The lavender is a nice touch.
Rachel
“Much my like my parents, it is never allowed to die.”
Love this. Made a pact with my parents when I was younger like this too to put all my fears to rest.
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
Fabulous! Must try infusing lemonade with lavender myself, I love this idea. And honey is involved, which is just great. I can see the Queen sipping this elegantly. Although I kind of think she’d be a clinker too.
Heidi xo
Chrissy
This lemonade seems to incorporate so many of my favorite things. It is on my list of things to make. Thanks for posting!
adahliavolk.com
Lauren (PB&G)
“Holy smokes… that’s the third time I’ve almost been hit by a car. Which way am I supposed to look down the street!?!?” This made me laugh so hard! I had the same problem but after a few days I finally got the hang of the “look left/cabs don’t break for pedestrians” thing.
This lemonade looks superb!
Jennifer G
Joy – might I ask where one can find dried culinary lavender? Can I use some dried out from my garden or do I have to order it online? Thanks!
tracy
My lips itch if I eat lavender. In my head or allergy? I’m not sure, but I don’t test it. BUT…your site is FULL of other yummy recipes I can try. :)
Megan
I just found out that I’ll be spending about 4 days in London in a few months. Any recommendations on restaurants or places I must see? Thanks! And love the lemonade recipe!!
thelittleloaf
Glad you had a good time in London! If you miss the gin, I bet it would be delicious added to this lemonade, yum!
Claire
WOW! Joy, you are such an inspiration! We did a lavender lemonade just a few weeks back and posted it to our site, along with some delicate lavender shortbread. It was so tasty, and with so much fresh lavender down here in Carlsbad, we’ve been making the lemonade constantly. Thanks for posting!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
Anything with lavender just makes me feel so summery :)
anna
mmm i love cooking with lavender! and it goes so well with lemon. in fact i know this because today i made your lavender lemon bars for a crowd, and they were fantastic! can’t wait to try this too!
Robin
Love the perspective in that first shot! I want to bend down a take a sip!
this is lemonade
Google reader recommended I read your blog and I think it was meant to be! What can I say? Lavender lemonade, how appropriate, just what I’d never have imagined…except that I love lavender and my blog is inspired by the idea of making lemonade out of life’s lemons. Love your blog, following indeed! :)
Jenna
Don’t you love how Google can get all serendipitous about its recommendations? It happens to me all the time with G+. Every time they recommend someone and I read their “About”s, I’m always like, “Thanks, Google, for assuming that I would want to know the coolest. people. ever.”
this is lemonade
Spooky but true…you don’t think it’s because Google knows way too much about us do you?
andi
Can you use lavender tea for this?
Reformed Foodie
Wow – this looks fragrant and delicious – great idea!
Liz
Have you ever made lavender-coloured lavender lemonade? Make lavender tea using 2 tbs of lavender in boiling water, add sugar. Then, squeeze 2-3 lemons and when you add it to the lavender tea it turns a lovely shade of lavender. Science and deliciousness all mixed together!
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
Lovely. I love herb-infused drinks. So fresh and bright.
Amy W
I SOOOOO wish I could get into the whole flower-in-my-food thing… but every time I try something with lavender or rose water I sort of just want to gag. Your pictures are so spectacular that I badly want to get on board but I’m not sure if I can yet. :(
Suzanne
I’m with you, Amy, I can’t handle the edible flower thing. I smell the lavender and all I can think is “I’m drinking fabric softener”.
lidia
i just made this and when i tried it i totally felt like i was drinking fabric softener :S
Eileen
Why isn’t your lavender lemonade pink? When I make it, there’s this magical chemical reaction at the end, when the lavender syrup & lemon juice come together and turn PINK! It’s so cool to watch. I wonder if the honey prevented it somehow?
Ashley josefsson
Mine turned bright pink! It’s beautiful and summery!
mav
Oh, I have some lavender that I need to use and I’ve been on a lemonade kick recently. This is definitely going to be something I’m going to try!
I’m not a huge fan of the tea and lemonade together thing. I love them both, just not together. But I bet it would be good with a splash of a more grown-up beverage too! ;)
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
This sounds absolutely delightful! Love this idea!
Bakerkat
That tea sounds great. I can see it becoming a summertime staple.
Those are beautiful photos.
I think Venice is a great place too.
Lucia
You made me thirsty and craving the smell of summer. In love with your cat’s nose too ;-)
Jessica Ann (@peonyfish)
I think those two top photos are my favourite photos on your website EVER.
Margherita
And I thought lavender was only good to keep in sachet with my clothes…you always made me discover new stuff Joy…AWESOME!
Birgit
Sounds goooood! I’m not such a great fan of lavender except it was in the garden next to the roses, but now I’m curious. So I’m waiting for the summer, pick the lavenderblossoms and try the lemonade. Guess, a splash of vodka goes well with this… Thanks!
xoxo from Birgit, north Germany
PS: I’ve found the cute kitten nose ;)
Adrienne
Joy, why didn’t you tell me you were coming to London, I live here! I would have totally baked you a cake, stood on the wrong side of the escalators with you, and invited the Queen round for tea. Next time, yeah?
sadie
that looks utterly divine.
Well, I hope you had a good time here, despite the rain, nearly getting knocked over and other hassles!
Nah, not to worry if you clink your teacup, we’re very understanding like that! ;o)
love your blog.
Living Waters
I’ve had the same problem coming to England. No idea where to look at while crossing the street made a terribly dangerous habit, I must say.
It was as though no matter what I did was wrong, I even had the wrong accent (everyone asking me what an American was doing in the UK didn’t make things easy especially since I’m not American).
In London, it appeared as though everyone else knew where they were going or what to do but me. Granted, it was my first time abroad on my own and on a business trip no less, but it all turned out for the better.
Great idea for the lemonade, thanks!
Kajal
Joy!!! I’m so going to make this right NOW!! Thanks for posting! and yay! you were in London! Ho cool!
Lea @ iCooklea
Trips are ALWAYS too short… Never been to London, but I can surely make lemonade to compensate!
Elizabeth
We have a lot of lavender in our yard right now and I was wondering if that would be alright to use it in this recipe although this calls for “culinary lavender”?
Yatee
This looks so refreshing! And another note about London .. the weather! Isn’t it kind of dreary sometimes? Sometimes I welcome that. Other times I hate it. But anyway, I could definitely imagine drinking this lounging outside on the grass in the sun. Can’t wait for summer.
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
How did you know I was thinking about you today? So ironic that you posted this lavender lemonade! My daughters and I stopped at Sweet Republic Ice Cream in Phoenix after going to Ree Drummond’s book signing and I had their lavender ice cream. It was absolutely incredible and if you’re ever out here (for a book signing!! – hint, hint), you have to go. Or I should take you!
Would you get in a car with a complete stranger? ;-)
And I thought of you again today because we also went shopping in Anthropologie. I am now in love with that store. I think I’m in trouble.
Glad your trip went well and that you weren’t struck by a car. That’s not fun. I’ve been there.
Julia {The Roasted Root}
I’ve been meaning to use lavender in food/drink related ways. Lemonade, varieties of lemonade, lemonade and alcohol are always summer favorites of mine. As soon as I pick up some lavender I will be making your lemonade. Welcome home and hope you had a fun trip!
Jamie {green beans & grapefruit}
You just made me even more excited for my London trip this June! And you know this would taste good with some beefeater in it!!
Sally - My Custard Pie
Lavender is on my list of things to bring back from the UK to Dubai this year. When I’m back here in September I can remember sunny days in my Mum’s garden with the bees hovering in and out of the lavender spears, while I sip lemonade. Lovely recipe.
lidia
just what I’ve been wondering about!
all lavender lemonade recipes I’ve seen call for fresh lavender instead of dry lavender.
totally making this for my coming up picnic! thanks joy (:
delaney @ heartbreakpie
I’ll with Melinda – add beefeater! Love London, love lavender, love this.
Angela Joy/Parisienne Farmgirl
Oh my goodness.
I just found you on a friends sidebar.
Where have you been all my blogging life!
I LOVE your site!
Wondered if you might contact me about writing for my new magazine.
Fondly,
Angela Joy
Megan Gordon
Welcome back lady! I hope you allowed yourself some real-deal time off. You deserve it! xox
Patricia
Oh wow! This sounds sooooo good! And the thought of adding vodka is a good one, too :)
Lucy
:O I thought I was the only person who used their fork and knife in the wrong hands! How glad I am that I’m not. This looks gorgeous!
Sarah at Winner Celebration Party
I’m not a huge lavender person (something about things that taste like soap/perfume), but I LOVE that photo with the straws and twine. Also, being a Venice resident myself, I have to say it’s a special corner of the world. Have you seen the episode of New Girl where Schmidt decides to undo his normally anal-retentive self and joins the Venice drum circle? Classic.
I have this memory of showing up in London and not knowing how to get into the cab (if I recall correctly, the door was in the back, not the front….is that right?? I need confirmation.). Felt like a fool but then fell in love with the city.
Welcome back!!
Beth
I have the exact same juicer, which used to be my grandmother’s! She got it on a vacation to Florida with my grandfather. She gave it to me when she decided to move out of her house, and it’s still awesome. Glad to know there’s another one out there!
Rita D
I’ve been dying to bake this lavender and lemon combo in to a pound cake. Maybe this will tide me over until I can find the time.
Oh and I totally didn’t even see the kitten nose until you pointed it out!
Jessie
Lavender is my new favorite ingredient. I’m sure it’s absolutely refreshingly wonderful in lemonade. Hope London was a blast!
Jessie
Yum! We served a variation of this at our wedding last year! There was plenty of lavender in the floral arrangements and Provence inspired decor. :)
dawnb
Oh honey, even us English girls worry about slurping and getting out cutlery messed up, as long as we all do it with a smile, it is all fine ;)
ileana
So pretty! Count me in for adding vodka.
Priya
Mmmmm looks good! I can’t believe you were actually and finally in the same country as me and I did not get to meet you! I feel like I totes missed out with your American book tour…. Please come back!
PS missed you and Tracy on Thursday when I usually listen to you….
Amielle
The first thing I ever added lavender to was cupcakes and it was absolutely delicious. This sounds like the perfect second thing to try . Not to mention the fact that lemonade is a summer staple and I can’t wait to change it up a bit. :)
Stacy
Add vodka?
Margarita
Ah… Summer! I love lavenders… I have a big bouquet of dried ones lying on my kitchen counter and I just sniff it whenever I feel sad and it helps change my mood. This maybe a silly question, but ove never used lavender in food and drinks so i wonder, is culinary lavender the same exact ones as the flowers of the dried ones?
Shannon
I loveee lavender lemonade. I recently decided that basil lemonade is my new summer jam too.
Eliz. K
Oh this is lovely! A perfect, fun, summery drink! (And perfect for a pregnant mama who is looking for some tasty things to imbibe while making a baby for the first half of the summer!) Thank you for sharing!
PS, I’m quite jealous of your travels!
Kartik @ Bakeology 101
Wow. I’m really impressed. Is the lavender flavor strong in this lemonade? Sometimes I find fresh lavender quite overpowering and I’m not sure, but is the dried far more mellow?
Fee
Sorry to be a pain but, the red suited Bearskin wearers are the Queen’s Guard, not the Beefeaters. The Beefeaters are the guards at the Tower of London and wear the old fashioned uniform with ruffles round the neck – http://paulstott.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341cb6b753ef0120a51c6336970c-800wi
joythebaker
ooh! they’re not the same!? have i learned NOTHING!?!?!?! (i’m the worst.)
Martha
It’s okay Joy! I’m from Seattle, living in London for a couple years and it took me a while to figure this out!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
I love that you’re blogging from Venice with your feet up…just like, oh, that happens every day :)
Sounds like an amazing trip!
And this tea would be perfect today! It’s 80F, sunny, and not a cloud in the sky in SoCal. You would totally be sipping this tea in this weather if you were home today!
Ellen
I just love lemonade with herbs – my favs are with basil or with rosemary.
jolie from Joeycake
Ellen, great idea! Basil sounds ridiculously good and ultra summery!
victoria
glad you enjoyed London, and the queen! *ahem* your kitten nose is adorable, and the lemonade looks spiffing xx
Anne
Welcome back to the sunny, lovely CA weather! It’s so funny that you made a drink like this; before I saw your post I randomly decided to make a fruit shrub (which I think I first heard about on the Table Set??). I’m now waiting for it to mellow so I can add it to drinks and sip it like a lady (or not).
Becca
I live in Cambridge, which is only 45 minutes from London, and my boyfriend lives in London so I’m there a lot. It sounds strange to hear someone describe it as posh! Or to worry about clinking things and slurping or any sort of etiquette issues. But I’m glad you had a great time, and I can almost definitely reassure you that you did everything just right!
Charlotte
I’m English and do all those things, perhaps I was born in the wrong country…Lemonade looks incredible, I’m sure Her maj’ the queen would approve! :-D Love and best wishes, from a field in the middle of nowhere, England xxx.
Nicole @ the Dirty oven
God Bless You and the Queen! Looks delish! I am also waiting to hear from Tracy and the lime-aide cilantro…. I mean come on! You both rock!
Maggie @ A bitchin' kitchen
This looks so refreshing! I’m super jealous of your trip – I’ve always wanted to go to London!
fatpiginthemarket
I think a lavender lemonade John Daly is in order this summer!
Tamara @jemofthesouth
Yummy. I love different lemonade flavors and this one sounds awesome!
Melinda
Can you add Beefeater to said concoction?
kjerstiye
you forgot the final direction…. add a shot of Pim’s!
This looks like a lovely base for the perfect summer cocktail!
Melissa Marie
Kitten nose!!
Emily
I totally agree about almost getting hit by cars in London! Not only is it hard to remember which way to look down the street, but cars don’t stop the way they do for pedestrians in places like NYC here. This looks amazing! I have a lot of lavender and have up until this point only made lavender biscotti and lavender sorbet (from Amanda Hesser’s the Cook and the Gardner book). Will be sure to make this.I bet you could throw some vodka in there too.