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.

Makes

4 servings

Total Time

15 min (10 min prep)

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.