This Coconut Lavender Lemonade Mocktail is a bright and cheerful drink that’s both refreshing and fragrant. With coconut water, lemon juice, and a hint of lavender, it’s perfect for sunny days!
Every sip feels like a tropical getaway! I love serving it at gatherings—everyone wonders how I made something so pretty and tasty. Try it on ice for extra chill! 🥥🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemons are key here for vibrant flavor. If you’re short on lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always best for taste. Meyer lemons can also add a sweeter twist!
Lavender Simple Syrup: The lavender syrup adds a unique floral note. If you can’t find dried culinary lavender, try using a store-bought lavender syrup. Honey or agave can instead sweeten if you want a different flavor.
Coconut Water: Chilled coconut water is refreshing and hydrating. If you prefer a different base, you can use plain water or a fruit juice like pineapple or orange juice for a tropical vibe.
Sparkling Water: This adds a lovely fizz. If you’re not a fan of bubbles, feel free to skip this step and keep it flat. Alternatively, flavored sparkling water can enhance the drink further.
How Do I Make a Great Lavender Simple Syrup?
Making lavender simple syrup is an easy process that’s all about patience. It’s worth it for the flavor boost! Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender in a small saucepan.
- Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Once it begins to simmer, remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes to extract the lavender flavor.
- Strain to remove the lavender buds, and let the syrup cool completely before use.
Store any extra syrup in the fridge for up to a month, and use it in other drinks or desserts!
Refreshing Coconut Lavender Lemonade Mocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1/2 cup lavender simple syrup (see note)
- 2 cups coconut water, chilled
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful mocktail takes about 10 minutes of prep time to make the lavender syrup and juice the lemons. Let the syrup cool for about 15 minutes, then mix it all together before serving. It’s perfect for quick refreshments or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make Lavender Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, mix together 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds. Heat over medium until it comes to a gentle boil. Stir until the sugar melts completely. Then, remove it from heat and allow it to steep for 15 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor. Once done, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh strainer and let the syrup cool completely.
2. Juice the Lemons:
While your syrup is cooling, squeeze enough fresh lemons to get about 1 cup of juice. Make sure to strain out any seeds for a smooth drink.
3. Mix Lemonade Base:
In a large pitcher, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and your cooled lavender simple syrup. Then, add the chilled coconut water. Stir everything together until nicely blended, and let the flavors mix for a moment.
4. Add Sparkling Water:
Right before you’re ready to serve, add in 1 cup of cold sparkling water or club soda to give it a refreshing fizz. Stir gently to combine the bubbles without losing too much carbonation.
5. Serve:
Fill your favorite glasses with ice cubes and pour the mocktail over the ice. For a pretty touch, garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of lavender if you’d like.
6. Enjoy:
Your refreshing Coconut Lavender Lemonade Mocktail is ready to sip! Enjoy it right away for the best flavor and fizz. Cheers!
Notes:
- To adjust sweetness, feel free to add more or less lavender syrup according to your taste.
- Make sure you’re using culinary lavender, which is safe for consumption and doesn’t contain harmful pesticides.
- If you prefer a non-sparkling version, simply leave out the sparkling water and enjoy it flat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh?
While bottled lemon juice is convenient, I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed juice has a brighter, more vibrant taste compared to bottled versions, which may contain preservatives.
How Can I Make This Mocktail Less Sweet?
If you find the mocktail too sweet for your taste, simply adjust the amount of lavender simple syrup. Start by adding less syrup, then taste and slowly increase until you reach your desired sweetness. You can also add more coconut water or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Can I Make the Lavender Simple Syrup in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the lavender simple syrup up to a week ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Give it a good shake before using, as it may separate slightly over time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Mocktail?
If you have any leftover mocktail, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for freshness. Keep in mind that the fizz from the sparkling water may go flat, so you might want to add freshly opened sparkling water when serving again.
