Lavender Mint Mojito Mocktail

This refreshing Lavender Mint Mojito Mocktail combines the delicate floral notes of lavender with the bright zing of fresh lime and mint. It’s an elegant, alcohol-free twist on the classic mojito, perfect for warm afternoons or special occasions. For an extra touch of magic, use butterfly pea flowers to create a stunning color-changing effect when the lime juice hits. It’s a fun way to add a little drama to your drink presentation!

Ingredients:

For the Lavender Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp dried lavender
• 1 tbsp butterfly pea flowers (optional for color)

For the Mocktail:

• Fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime, quartered
• Ice
• Sparkling water
• 2-3 tbsp lavender simple syrup (to taste)

Instructions:

Lavender Simple Syrup:

1. Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of dried lavender, and 1 tablespoon of butterfly pea flowers (if using). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Simmer: Once the sugar has dissolved, let the mixture simmer for 1 minute to ensure the lavender releases its flavor.
3. Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to steep for about 30 minutes. This will give the syrup time to absorb the floral essence of the lavender and the optional color from the butterfly pea flowers.
4. Strain and store: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender and flowers. Let the syrup cool completely before using. Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tip: This lavender syrup can be used in other beverages, teas, or even drizzled over desserts for a floral twist.

Lavender Mint Mojito Mocktail:

1. Muddle the mint and lime: In a glass, add a handful of fresh mint leaves and a lime quarter. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush the mint and lime, releasing their flavors and juices.
2. Add syrup and ice: Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of your lavender syrup, depending on how sweet and floral you want the mocktail. Then, add ice to the glass.
3. Top with sparkling water: Fill the glass with sparkling water, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra mint leaves or a lime slice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Bonus Color Trick:

To create an enchanting color-changing effect, you can incorporate butterfly pea flowers. After steeping 1 tablespoon of butterfly pea flowers in 1 cup of hot water and letting it cool, add a splash of this vibrant blue liquid to your mocktail. When you squeeze in lime juice, the acidity will magically shift the color from blue to a mesmerizing shade of purple!

Tips and Notes:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the lavender simple syrup in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to two weeks. This way, it’s ready whenever you’re craving a quick mocktail or need a syrup for another recipe.
• Customization: Adjust the lavender syrup to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add an extra tablespoon. For a more herbal flavor, muddle more mint in the glass.
• Butterfly Pea Flowers: While optional, butterfly pea flowers add a stunning visual element to this drink. They can be found at specialty tea shops or online and are completely natural. The color-changing trick works because of the pH shift when lime juice is added—turning the blue tea into purple.
• Serving Suggestions: This mocktail pairs beautifully with light, summery appetizers like cucumber sandwiches, a fresh fruit platter, or a charcuterie board. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at baby showers, brunches, or picnics.