Summer Mocktails: Blackberry Lavender Lemonade

The second post of our guest series from Beth of Tasty Yummies! Read on for a refreshing summer drink recipe.

This nonalcoholic drink is sure to please just about anyone on a hot summer day. It has a very pleasant tartness from the freshly squeezed lemons and the blackberries, and a subtle delicate aromatic flavor from the lavender. I like to think of this as an fancy version of an “Arnold Palmer” which is half tea, half lemonade. Not only will this quench the thirstiest of thirsts, but it is such a beautiful and bright color, to boot!

I personally prefer my lemonade on the tart side so I went with just 1/4 cup of maple syrup (my sweetener of choice), feel free to add more or to use just plain sugar or raw honey, etc. As for the sugar used for muddling, since I prefer non-refined sugar alternatives, I used a small amount of maple sugar, feel free again to use regular sugar or whatever sugar alternative you prefer. If you are looking to make this into an alcoholic beverage, simply add in 1 shot of your favorite vodka, stir and enjoy!

summer cocktails

Blackberry Lavender Lemonade
serves 4-6

1/2 cup dried culinary lavender
5 cups water
1/4 – 1/2 cup maple syrup (raw honey, agave or raw sugar will also work)
1 cup freshly squeeze lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
4-6 teaspoons maple sugar (you can also use raw sugar or any other sugar of your choice)
6 ounces fresh blackberries
ice

Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, stir in the lavender and reduce the heat. Partially cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain the lavender tea over a strainer or through cheesecloth, pressing down to get out as much liquid as you can, discard the lavender. Pour the liquid into a large pitcher. Stir in maple syrup, honey or whatever sweetener you are using, until it has dissolved. I prefer my lemonade on the tart side so I only used 1/4 cup of maple syrup, but feel free to use as much as you would like. Let cool. Once cooled, add the lemon juice to the pitcher and give it a good stir. Taste to see if it needs more sweetener or if you want to add some water to dilute it a little.

To serve, place 5 to 8 blackberries and 1 teaspoon of sugar in each glass. Muddle. Pour the lemonade mixture over to fill the glass about 2/3 of the way full, give it a stir, then top with ice. Garnish with lemon slices pressed into some dried lavender, or add a fresh sprig of lavender if you have it.

*For an alcoholic cocktail, add in a shot of vodka

summer cocktails

Check out more of Beth’s recipes on her blog Tasty Yummies.

Healthy recipes from the BLDG 25 blog.

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Megan Alkins
11 years ago

YUM!

11 years ago

Sounds DELICIOUS! Will be trying this one out for SURE!! Bring on Summer! (Aussie, it’s our winter, but this is gearing me up for it!)

11 years ago

Absolutely YUM sounding! Better get this in before summer ends!

Wataru
11 years ago

Nice!