There’s always one day every year when the air finally feels soft again, and that’s the day I make this lavender lemonade cocktail. Not because I planned it. Because suddenly I want something cold, bright, and a little fancy for no reason.
I usually carry the glass outside, sit down, and realize I forgot to bring my phone, a napkin, or anything remotely useful. But the drink is there, sweating in the sun, smelling like lemons and flowers, and that’s enough.
This is my spring reset button. It’s simple lemonade dressed up with lavender and bubbles, but it feels like more. Like I tried harder than I actually did.
I started making it for holidays and little gatherings, but now I make it on random Tuesdays too. No rules. If the sun is out, it counts as an occasion.
Ingredients I Used for the Recipe
- 4 ounces lemonade – This is the base of everything. It brings the citrusy brightness and that familiar, nostalgic flavor. I like using a good-quality lemonade because you can taste the difference right away.
- 1 ounce vodka – Adds a clean kick without overpowering the floral notes. You can swap in gin if you want something slightly more botanical, or skip it entirely for a mocktail.
- 1/2 ounce lavender simple syrup – This is what makes the drink feel special. It gives a soft floral sweetness that turns plain lemonade into something layered and interesting.
- 1 to 2 ounces prosecco – The bubbles lighten everything up. It makes the drink feel celebratory even if you’re just folding laundry five minutes later.
- Ice – Essential for keeping the drink crisp and refreshing. I like using a lot because warm lavender lemonade is… not great.
- Lemon slices – For garnish and a little extra citrus aroma right when you take a sip.
- Edible flowers (optional) – These don’t change the taste much, but they make the glass look beautiful and slightly dramatic, which I enjoy.
How to make Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe?
Step 1 – Fill Your Glass with Ice
Start with a tall glass and fill it generously with ice. This drink is meant to be cold and refreshing, so don’t hold back here. I used to underfill the ice and ended up with something lukewarm halfway through.
Step 2 – Add Ingredients to a Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lemonade, and lavender simple syrup. If you don’t own a shaker, a mason jar with a tight lid works just fine. I’ve used everything from a protein shake bottle to a jam jar.
Step 3 – Shake Until Fully Mixed
Add a few ice cubes to the shaker and shake it well. Not a polite shake. A real one. You want everything chilled and blended so the lavender doesn’t sit separately from the lemonade.
Step 4 – Strain into the Ice-Filled Glass
Pour the mixture over your prepared glass of ice. At this point, it already smells incredible. Light, citrusy, slightly floral. This is usually when someone nearby asks what I’m making.
Step 5 – Add the Bubbles
Top the drink with prosecco. Pour slowly so you keep the sparkle. The bubbles lift the whole thing and keep it from feeling too sweet.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
Add a lemon slice and edible flowers if you have them. Even if you’re just making this for yourself, take the extra ten seconds. It changes the mood of the drink.
Why This Flavor Combination Works So Well
Lemon and lavender sound delicate together, but they actually balance each other beautifully. Lemon is sharp and energetic. Lavender is calm and soft. One wakes you up, the other smooths things out.
I was nervous the first time I used lavender because I didn’t want my drink to taste like soap. The trick is restraint. Just enough syrup to notice it, not enough to dominate.
The prosecco matters more than people think. Without it, the drink feels heavier. With it, everything becomes lighter and a little playful.
This is the kind of cocktail that doesn’t try too hard. It’s not complicated. It’s just thoughtful.
How I Make It Work for Different Moments
If I’m serving this at a brunch or shower, I’ll mix a big batch of the lemonade, vodka, and lavender ahead of time. Then I add the prosecco to each glass right before serving so it stays bubbly.
For a mocktail version, I skip the vodka and use sparkling water instead of prosecco. It’s still refreshing and honestly just as good when you want something lighter.
Sometimes I reduce the lavender syrup slightly if I want it more tart. Other times I add a splash extra because I’m in the mood for something softer. This drink is flexible like that.
I’ve even made a pitcher to keep in the fridge for slow afternoons. It disappears faster than expected every single time.
Tips
Don’t overdo the lavender syrup. Start small. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
Use plenty of ice. This cocktail is at its best when it’s really cold, especially on a warm day.
If you’re making it for guests, prep everything except the bubbly ahead of time. Add the sparkling element last so the drink stays lively.
Taste as you go. Lemonade brands vary in sweetness, so adjust the syrup depending on what you’re using.
If you want it less sweet overall, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. That little bit of acidity makes a big difference.
And finally, don’t skip the garnish. A simple lemon wheel or a few flowers make the drink feel intentional, even if you threw it together in five minutes.
This lavender lemonade cocktail has become one of those recipes I don’t need to look up anymore. I just make it when the weather feels right. It’s easy, bright, and just floral enough to feel like a small celebration in a glass.
That’s really all I want from a spring drink.
Lavender Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Description
This lavender lemonade cocktail is refreshing, floral and just sweet enough to be special. It's the perfect drink to serve for all of your spring special occasions. Make it a mocktail with some easy substitutions.
ingredients
Instructions
-
Fill a tall glass with ice.Use fresh, clean ice for best results
-
Add a few ice cubes to a cocktail shaker along with vodka, lavender syrup, and lemonade.A mason jar with a tight lid works as a shaker substitute
-
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until totally combined and well-chilled.
-
Place the strainer on top and pour the mixture over the prepared glass of ice.
-
Top gently with prosecco or sparkling water to preserve bubbles.Pour down the side of the glass to minimize foam overflow
-
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and/or edible flowers and serve immediately.Use food-safe flowers only; rinse gently before use
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
Serving Size 1 drink
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 190kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0gg0%
- Saturated Fat 0gg0%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 0mgmg0%
- Sodium 5mgmg1%
- Potassium 50mgmg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 28gg10%
- Dietary Fiber 0gg0%
- Sugars 26gg
- Protein 0gg0%
- Calcium 1% mg
- Iron 0% mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make it a mocktail: Skip the vodka and replace the prosecco with sparkling water, club soda, or your favorite NA bubbly drink like Topo Chico.
- Batching for a crowd: Scale up the vodka, lavender syrup, and lemonade proportions in a pitcher. Keep chilled and add prosecco or sparkling water to each individual glass just before serving to preserve the bubbles.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, reduce the lavender syrup to 1/4 ounce and/or use a tart lemonade. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Lavender simple syrup: Make your own using culinary-grade lavender for best flavor. Check the linked recipe for full instructions on sourcing lavender and preparation tips.
- Pro tip: Chill your glass and shaker beforehand for an extra-refreshing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this a mocktail?
Absolutely! Just skip the vodka and replace the prosecco with your favorite NA bubbly drink like club soda, seltzer, or Topo Chico. You'll still get that refreshing floral-citrus flavor perfect for spring gatherings.
Where can I find lavender simple syrup?
My recipe for lavender simple syrup is linked in the recipe notes. You may find it in some specialty home or grocery stores, but making it at home is easy, cost-effective, and ensures the freshest flavor with culinary-grade lavender.
How can I make this less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the lavender syrup to 1/4 ounce and/or use a tart, less-sweetened lemonade. You can also add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the sweetness.
Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Yes! Scale up the vodka, lavender syrup, and lemonade proportions and mix in a pitcher. Keep well-chilled and add prosecco or sparkling water to each individual glass just before serving to preserve the bubbles and freshness.