Lavender Lemonade Sprite Recipe

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I was just as intrigued as everyone else when rumors of a Lavender Lemonade Sprite started making the rounds online. Though it turned out to be a fantastical creation, why let that stop us from bringing this flavor to life in our kitchens?

How to make Lavender Lemonade Sprite

Lavender Lemonade Sprite is a refreshing drink that combines the floral notes of lavender with the zesty flavor of lemonade and the bubbly sweetness of Sprite. Typically, it’s made by mixing lavender syrup (which can be homemade or store-bought) with freshly squeezed lemon juice and Sprite.

Ingredients:

For the Lavender Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers (culinary grade)

For the Lemonade:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, depending on size and juiciness)
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice cubes

For the Final Touch:

• 1 can of Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
• Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
2. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and add the dried lavender flowers.
4. Allow the mixture to steep for about 20-30 minutes. This process infuses the syrup with lavender’s fragrant essence.
5. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender flowers, and let the syrup cool to room temperature.

2. Make the Lemonade:

1. In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 4 cups of cold water. Adjust the water to suit your taste preference—if you like it more tart, reduce the water a bit.

3. Mix it all together:

1. To the pitcher of lemonade, add ½ to ¾ cup of the lavender simple syrup you prepared earlier. Again, adjust according to how sweet you like your lemonade.
2. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

4. Serve:

1. Fill glasses with ice cubes.
2. Pour the lavender lemonade into each glass, filling about three-quarters of the way full.
3. Top off each glass with a splash of Sprite for that fizz and slight lemon-lime tang.
4. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of lavender.

Tips:

• Adjust sweetness: Taste as you go. Some prefer their lemonade more tart, while others like it sweeter. Adjust the amount of lavender syrup and the balance of lemon juice to water accordingly.
• Lavender grade: Ensure you’re using culinary-grade lavender for the syrup. Lavender intended for potpourri or decoration may have been treated with chemicals that are not safe for consumption.
• Presentation matters: Serve this refreshing beverage in clear glasses to show off its beautiful, pale hue. The garnish adds a touch of elegance and enhances the lavender and lemon scent with every sip.
• Chill: For an extra refreshing experience, ensure all components are chilled before mixing. It helps to keep the fizzy delight from losing its sparkle too quickly.

What to serve with

Serving the right dishes with your Lavender Lemonade Sprite can elevate a simple refreshment to an unforgettable dining experience. The drink itself is versatile, balancing herbal, sweet, and tangy notes, making it an excellent complement to a wide range of flavors.

Light Bites and Appetizers:

• Cheese Platters: Opt for soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese that will contrast nicely with the lemonade’s acidity. Add some crackers, nuts, and a little honey to round off the flavors.
• Fruit Skewers: Combine seasonal fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and grapes on skewers. The fruit’s natural sweetness and freshness will pair wonderfully with the lavender and lemon flavors.
• Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: The classic combination of tomato, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar atop crusty bread complements the floral and citrus notes of the drink.

Main Courses:

• Grilled Seafood: Dishes like grilled shrimp or salmon, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, enhance the delicate lavender flavor in the lemonade.
• Chicken or Pork: Prepare these proteins with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or more lavender to mirror the herbal notes in your drink. A light seasoning allows the lemonade to shine as a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Summer Salads: Assemble a salad with mixed greens, fresh berries, nuts, and a light vinaigrette. The salad’s freshness will complement the lemonade’s vibrant character, making for a delightful pairing.

Desserts:

• Lemon or Berry Sorbet: A tangy sorbet echoes the lemonade’s citrus notes while offering your meal a cool, sweet finish.
• Lavender Honey Cake: Embrace the floral theme fully with a lavender-flavored dessert. A light, airy cake infused with lavender and sweetened with honey can beautifully round out the lavender lemonade experience.
• Fresh Fruit Tarts: Choose a fruit tart with a creamy custard filling and various fresh fruits on top. The dessert’s sweetness and fruitiness will pair well with the nuanced flavors of your drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Lavender Lemonade Sprite is a delightful way to offer a refreshing and uniquely flavored drink, but you might not always have all the specific ingredients on hand.

Lavender

• Fresh Lavender: If the recipe calls for fresh lavender and you only have dried, use a third of the amount because dried lavender is more concentrated.
• Dried Culinary Lavender: This is the most direct substitute for fresh. Remember, it must be culinary-grade to ensure it’s safe for consumption.
• Herbes de Provence: This French seasoning contains lavender along with other herbs. It can work in a pinch but use sparingly to not overpower the drink with the different herbs.

Lemonade

• Homemade Lemonade: If you don’t have pre-made lemonade, you can easily make some with fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar or a sugar substitute adjusted to taste. For one cup of lemonade, mix about ¼ cup lemon juice with ¾ cup water and sweeten as desired.
• Bottled Lemon Juice: When fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can serve as a substitute; however, it might lack the freshness that the drink calls for. Try adding a bit of zest to any citrus fruit to elevate the flavor profile.
• Limeade: For a twist, use limeade. It’s a good substitute offering a similar citrus profile with a slightly different flavor.

Sprite

• Any Lemon-Lime Soda: If Sprite is unavailable, any lemon-lime soda, such as 7Up or Sierra Mist, can be used as a substitute without greatly affecting the flavor.
• Club Soda or Sparkling Water: You can use club soda or sparkling water for a less sweet version. You might want to adjust the sweetness of your lemonade base accordingly since these options don’t add the extra sugar that Sprite would.
• Ginger Ale: If you’re out of lemon-lime soda, ginger ale can add a unique twist. It offers a different flavor profile with a hint of spice.

Sweeteners

• Granulated Sugar: If your recipe calls for a liquid sweetener like simple syrup or honey, granulated sugar can be used, but it must be dissolved. Use about ¾ of the amount since granulated sugar is sweeter.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These are perfect natural sweeteners for avoiding refined sugars. They add their unique flavors, which can complement the lavender and lemon well.
• Agave Syrup: This is another excellent alternative to simple syrup, with a neutral flavor and similar sweetness level.

Extra Flavorings

• Orange or Lime Zest: If the recipe suggests lemon zest and you don’t have lemons, you can use orange or lime zest to infuse your lemonade with a citrusy depth.
• Rosemary or Thyme: If you want to experiment with the herbal notes or don’t have enough lavender, a sprig of rosemary or thyme can offer a delightful and aromatic twist to your lemonade.

Final Thoughts

Remember, substitutions are not just about swapping one item for another; it’s an opportunity to personalize your Lavender Lemonade Sprite to your taste preferences or dietary needs. 

More Lemonade Recipes:

• Homemade Sunkist Blueberry Lemonade
• Homemade Sprite Lemonade Recipe
• Frozen Strawberry Acai Lemonade Recipe
• Sutter Home Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
• Starbucks Summer Berry Lemonade Recipe