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Vanilla Lavender Limeade: A Refreshing Summer Twist

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

A refreshing limeade with calming lavender aroma and a hint of vanilla.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup dried culinary lavender buds
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
  • 6 cups cold water (for limeade)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Lime slices, for garnish (optional)
  • Lavender sprigs, for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water.
  2. Stir in the dried lavender buds.
  3. Place over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let steep for 30-60 minutes (for stronger flavor).
  6. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (lined with cheesecloth if available) into a clean jar. Discard lavender buds.
  7. Cool completely.
  8. Juice the limes to get 1 cup of fresh lime juice. Remove any seeds.
  9. In a large pitcher, combine cooled lavender simple syrup, lime juice, and cold water.
  10. Stir in vanilla extract.
  11. Stir well to combine.
  12. Taste and adjust sweetness/tartness as needed (more syrup for sweeter, more lime juice for tarter).
  13. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  14. Fill glasses with ice.
  15. Pour chilled limeade over ice.
  16. Garnish with lime slices and/or lavender sprigs (optional).
  17. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Sweetness: Adjust sugar in simple syrup to your preference.
  • Alternatives: Use honey or agave for a healthier simple syrup.
  • Sparkling: Substitute some water with sparkling water.
  • Lavender Extract: Use a few drops if you don’t have lavender buds.
  • Other Herbs: Experiment with rosemary or mint in the simple syrup.
  • Cocktail: Add vodka or gin.
  • Freezing: Freeze limeade in ice cube trays or simple syrup for later.
  • Lavender Sugar Rim: Rim glasses with lavender sugar.
  • Infused Ice Cubes: Freeze water with lime slices and lavender sprigs.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Too tart: Add more syrup.
    • Too sweet: Add more lime juice.
    • Weak lavender: Steep longer or add extract.
    • Strong lavender: Reduce lavender buds.
    • Cloudy: Normal due to lime oils.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes

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Find it online: https://www.chefstrawberry.com/vanilla-lavender-limeade/