Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Syrup Preparation
- For the syrup, combine the sugar, water, and lavender in a small saucepan. Bring just to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain and cool completely.
Tea Assembly
- Bring water to a boil, remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow tea to cool slightly.
- Stir in Meyer lemon juice and Lavender Simple Syrup to taste. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
- Serve over plenty of ice and garnish with lemon slices, mint, and lavender sprigs.
Notes
Jorj's Tip
Meyer lemons are naturally sweeter and more floral than traditional lemons, making them the perfect partner for lavender. The goal isn't to taste lavender first—it should simply leave a delicate floral note that makes guests wonder what makes the tea so special.
Sunday Supper Spirit Bar
Rather than preparing an alcoholic version, place a small tray beside the pitcher with a few suggested additions so guests can personalize their own glass.
Wonderful Choices
• Bourbon (my favorite)
• Gin
• Vodka
• Limoncello
• Sparkling Prosecco for a festive spritz Suggested pour: 1½ ounces per glass Hosting a Crowd Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup up to one week ahead and refrigerate. Brew the tea and combine it with the lemon juice and syrup the day before serving. Keep chilled, then garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs just before guests arrive. Set the pitcher beside a bucket of ice and the optional spirits so guests can help themselves while you welcome everyone to the table. Make It Your Own • Honey-Lavender Tea: Replace half of the sugar in the syrup with local honey.
• Sparkling Meyer Lemon Tea: Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water.
• Peach-Lavender Tea: Add a splash of peach nectar for a Southern twist.
• Rosemary Citrus Tea: Garnish with rosemary instead of lavender for a more savory herbal finish.
• Gin
• Vodka
• Limoncello
• Sparkling Prosecco for a festive spritz Suggested pour: 1½ ounces per glass Hosting a Crowd Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup up to one week ahead and refrigerate. Brew the tea and combine it with the lemon juice and syrup the day before serving. Keep chilled, then garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs just before guests arrive. Set the pitcher beside a bucket of ice and the optional spirits so guests can help themselves while you welcome everyone to the table. Make It Your Own • Honey-Lavender Tea: Replace half of the sugar in the syrup with local honey.
• Sparkling Meyer Lemon Tea: Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water.
• Peach-Lavender Tea: Add a splash of peach nectar for a Southern twist.
• Rosemary Citrus Tea: Garnish with rosemary instead of lavender for a more savory herbal finish.