Sparkling Lavender Mocktail with Lemon & Elderflower

I’m not usually a huge fan of floral drinks. They’re notorious for tasting soapy, which is not exactly what you’re looking for in a refreshing beverage.

That said, lavender has become one of my favorite flavors, especially when paired with lemon. It’s sweet and delicate, and when balanced with citrus and bubbles, it’s surprisingly refreshing.

I created this sparkling lavender mocktail with lemon and elderflower as a bright, bubbly option that feels perfect for spring and summer.

And don’t worry, it’s not soapy at all!

If you’re looking for something a little more elevated than your standard lemonade, try mixing up this lavender mocktail.

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Looking for a cocktail version? Check out my Lavender Lemon Drop Martini.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this drink.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is usually non-negotiable for me in cocktails and mocktails, and this drink is no exception. The lemon does a lot of heavy lifting here, and you get a brightness from fresh juice that you just won’t get from bottled.

Lavender Syrup

You’ll also need a high-quality lavender syrup. I actually prefer to make my own since it’s surprisingly easy and lets you control the flavor and intensity.

You can also use a store-bought syrup like Monin, but I haven’t tested it, so you may need to adjust for both flavor and color.

If you already make your own simple syrup, this just adds one extra step: steeping dried culinary lavender at the end (I get mine on Amazon).

Lavender Syrup Recipe

To make lavender syrup, you’ll need:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender

Instructions: 

1. Bring sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat, add lavender, and cover.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes, tasting to ensure it doesn’t become bitter, then strain.
4. Let cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.

Yield: About ⅔-¾ cup (enough for ~4 drinks)

Elderflower Tonic Water

Since we’re trying to avoid a soapy flavor, adding another floral note might seem counterintuitive. However, elderflower tonic water (I use Fever Tree) adds sweetness, bitterness, bubbles, and a subtle floral note. It helps make this drink more than just a lavender lemonade.

I only use a small amount to keep it from overpowering the lavender. If you prefer, you can substitute regular tonic water, though you may need to adjust the sweetness. You can also omit it altogether for a less complex drink.

Be sure to chill your elderflower tonic water, as you’ll add it at the end.

Sparkling Water

You’ll also need plain sparkling water to top off the lavender mocktail. Use your favorite brand — I just go with whatever I have on hand (usually Trader Joe’s).

Optional: Liquid Red & Blue Food Coloring

Lastly, if desired, you can add liquid red and blue food coloring to help tint the drink lavender. Coloring lemon-forward drinks can be tricky due to the acidity, so you won’t get a vibrant purple, but you can adjust it for a softer lavender hue.

You’ll need a tiny amount of red and an even smaller amount of blue. Do not use purple food coloring, as the ratio will be off, or gel food coloring, as it won’t dissolve properly.

If you choose to use food coloring, add it to the finished drink in very small increments using a toothpick, starting with blue and then finishing with red.

Stir gently but thoroughly after each addition until a soft lavender color is reached. The lemon juice will naturally mute the color, so adjust slowly to avoid a muddy tone.

Now let’s get to the recipe!

Lavender Mocktail FAQs

See below for answers to frequently asked questions about this mocktail.

Can I make this lavender mocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the lemon juice and lavender syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the elderflower tonic water and sparkling water until right before serving, so it stays bubbly.

What does lavender taste like in drinks?

Lavender can taste soapy if it’s too strong, but when used in the right amount, it’s light, slightly sweet, and floral. In this drink, the lemon helps balance it so it stays fresh rather than overpowering.

Can I use store-bought lavender syrup?

Yes, store-bought lavender syrup works fine. I haven’t tested specific brands, but recommend something high-quality, such as Monin. You may need to adjust the amount depending on the flavor, color, and sweetness.

What can I use instead of elderflower tonic water? 

You can substitute regular tonic water, though you may want to adjust the sweetness slightly. You can also skip it altogether and use more sparkling water for a simpler version.

Can I turn this into a cocktail?

More Light & Refreshing Mocktails to Try

If you liked this lavender mocktail, here are a couple of other light and refreshing options.