Lavender Cooler Recipe: A Refreshing Drink for All Occasions
Lavender Cooler is a beautifully aromatic and refreshing beverage that will elevate any gathering. Its delicate floral flavor, balanced with the tang of lemon, makes it an excellent choice for a hot summer day or a sophisticated drink to serve at special events. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, a Southwestern-style cookout, or just looking for a flavorful way to cool down, this Lavender Cooler, as featured in Better Homes and Gardens, is the perfect option. The recipe is straightforward and yields about 20 servings, making it an ideal choice for larger groups.
Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes of cooking time, 30 minutes of prep time)
Servings: 20 servings (6 ounces each)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 3 cups |
| Water (for syrup) | 3 cups |
| Fresh or dried lavender flowers | 1/2 to 3/4 cup |
| Water (for dilution) | 8 cups |
| Fresh lemon juice | 4 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 128.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 3.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 34.2 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 31.1 g |
| Protein Content | 0.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Lavender Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and 3 cups of water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low once it starts to boil, and continue stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. -
Infuse with Lavender:
While your syrup is cooling, place the lavender flowers in a large, heatproof bowl.
Carefully pour the warm syrup over the dried lavender, ensuring the flowers are well submerged in the liquid. Allow the mixture to steep for about 2 hours, or until it has cooled to room temperature. -
Strain the Syrup:
Once the syrup has cooled and absorbed the floral fragrance of the lavender, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the flowers.
Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press down on the flowers, extracting as much liquid as possible. Discard the flowers and transfer the syrup to a clean container. -
Chill the Syrup:
Cover the strained lavender syrup and place it in the refrigerator. You can chill the syrup for up to one week, so feel free to make it ahead of time. -
Prepare the Lavender Cooler:
To serve the Lavender Cooler, measure 4 cups of the chilled lavender syrup into a very large pitcher or crock.
Add 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 8 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the Lavender Cooler over ice in tall glasses. If desired, garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender for an elegant touch.
This recipe makes about 20 servings (6 ounces each), perfect for a large group or party.
Tips for the Perfect Lavender Cooler:
- Choosing Lavender: You can use fresh or dried lavender flowers. Dried lavender tends to give a more concentrated flavor, but fresh lavender can lend a lighter, more delicate aroma.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly or increase the amount of water when serving.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this cooler as a non-alcoholic alternative to cocktails at brunches, baby showers, or garden parties. For a more festive twist, you can add a splash of vodka or gin.
Storage:
- Store any leftover lavender syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When ready to serve again, simply mix with cold water and lemon juice.
Lavender Cooler is an exquisite and revitalizing drink, offering the perfect balance of floral sweetness and citrus tang. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply want a delightful beverage to sip on, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress.
