It’s been pretty hot and humid in New York lately and sometimes the heat makes me prefer a non alcoholic beverage by the pool. I also love iced tea with lots of lemon but this simple and refreshing pitcher drink it great to have for any party or just have ready for the family on those hot days. You can of course add a little booze if you want to and I have some recommendations below.
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What kind of tea?
You can get creative if you want to with herbal teas, green tea or even decaf if you prefer. I personally like my iced tea made with black tea. It has a strong flavor that pairs well with lemon and the more subtle lavender flavor. Black tea has about 47 mg of caffeine per cup (about 8 oz) while coffee has about 95 mg per cup.
Fresh vs dried lavender
If you’re fortunate enough to have fresh lavender buds from your garden you can use them to make this syrup. But dried culinary lavender will work just as well in this recipe. Culinary lavender refers to the type of lavender as well as how it is prepared and tastes. Making sure you use culinary lavender will ensure your syrup doesn’t take bitter or soapy.
Make it boozy
Of course you can make this one a cocktail if you want to. Tea drinks work well with gin or vodka. You can also find gins that have notes of lavender that would pair well with this drink.
🍹 Home Bar Supplies You Might Need: 🍹
Before you start whipping out the ingredients to make this drink, make sure you have these essential bar tools in your kitchen first (or shop for them here):
Lavender Lemon Iced Tea Recipe
Lavender Lemon Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 5 cups black tea cold
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 4 oz lavender syrup
Lavender Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup culinary lavender
Instructions
- Add tea, lemon juice and syrup to a pitcher.
- Add ice, lemon sliced and fresh lavender and stir.
- Serve over ice.
- Add 2 oz gin or 2 oz vodka to each glass and stir. (optional)
Lavender Syrup
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan and bring to medium heat.
- Stir and allow sugar to dissolve.
- Add lavender and simmer for 1-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month,
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