Yuzu Lemonade with Lavender
Yuzu Lemonade with Lavender [The Tart & Sweet Remix]
A sophisticated citrus refresher balancing tart yuzu and bright lemon with aromatic lavender. This naturally sweetened beverage delivers floral elegance without overwhelming the delicate Japanese citrus notes.
Ingredients
For Lavender Simple Syrup:
1/2 cup (120ml) filtered water
1/3 cup (65g) allulose
1 tbsp (3g) dried culinary lavender buds
For Lemonade Base:
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh yuzu juice
1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
4 cups (960ml) filtered water or sparkling water
Ice cubes for serving
For Garnish:
Lemon wheels
Fresh lavender sprigs
Yuzu zest (optional)
Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)
Replace allulose with raw manuka honey (use 1/4 cup) for antimicrobial benefits and prebiotic support. Add 1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar with the mother to support digestive health and enhance citrus flavors. Include 1 tsp fresh ginger juice for digestive aid and anti-inflammatory properties. Stir in 1 tbsp unflavored collagen peptides for gut lining support and protein. Add 1/4 tsp sea salt to enhance mineral content and electrolyte balance. Include 1 tsp lemon balm extract for additional calming properties that complement lavender.
Remix Options
Sweetener Swaps: Replace allulose with 1/4 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup for deeper flavor, or 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut nectar for tropical notes. Citrus Variations: Substitute yuzu with Meyer lemon juice for milder tartness, or use 2 tbsp lime juice plus 2 tbsp grapefruit juice for different citrus profile. Herbal Alternatives: Replace lavender with 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers, or 1 tsp dried rose petals for floral variety. Sparkling Version: Use 2 cups still water for syrup base, then top with 2 cups sparkling water just before serving for effervescence. Concentrate Method: Make double-strength syrup and citrus base, store refrigerated up to 1 week, then dilute 1:1 with water when serving. Mocktail Upgrade: Add 1 oz gin or vodka per serving and serve over ice with lavender salt rim. Frozen Treat: Blend with ice for slushie consistency, or freeze in popsicle molds for 4 hours.
Good To Know
Yuzu Selection Tips: Fresh yuzu juice provides the most authentic flavor – look for it in Asian markets or order online, though bottled yuzu juice works well if fresh unavailable. Lavender Guidelines: Use only culinary-grade dried lavender buds – avoid potpourri or cosmetic varieties which may contain additives, and strain thoroughly to prevent bitter flavors. Sweetener Benefits: Allulose dissolves easily in cold liquids and provides clean sweetness without competing with delicate citrus and floral notes – it won’t crystallize or settle like other sweeteners. Make-Ahead Instructions: Lavender syrup keeps refrigerated up to 2 weeks – make double batches for easy lemonade assembly, and fresh lemonade base stays optimal up to 3 days covered in refrigerator. Serving Suggestions: Serve over ice with frozen lemon wheels for slower dilution, or chill glasses in freezer 15 minutes before serving for extra refreshment. Storage Guidelines: Store unused portions in glass containers to prevent flavor absorption, and shake or stir before serving as separation is natural. Flavor Balance: Start with less lavender syrup and adjust to taste – floral flavors can quickly overwhelm citrus, and different lavender varieties have varying intensity levels.
steps
Heat:
In small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup filtered water to gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in allulose until completely dissolved.
Steep:
Add dried lavender buds to hot syrup and steep 10 minutes, covered. Strain through fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids gently. Cool completely before using.
Juice:
Fresh squeeze yuzu and lemons, straining out seeds and pulp. Combine citrus juices in large pitcher.
Mix:
Add cooled lavender syrup to citrus juices. Start with 3 tablespoons syrup, taste, and add more as desired for floral balance.
Dilute:
Add 4 cups filtered or sparkling water and stir gently. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
Serve:
Pour over ice-filled glasses and garnish with lemon wheels, fresh lavender sprigs, and yuzu zest if available. Serve immediately while chilled.