Lemonade Lavender Yogurt Shake

When you have a party there is always one thing that no one ends up eating or drinking. At least there always is for me. It’s usually that thing I bought just to make sure all the bases and guests preferences were covered. 

During our 4th of July party a few weeks ago it was the lemonade I bought to make sure those who weren’t drinking alcohol had some options. It was just a jug of organic Trader Joe’s lemonade, but once the party ended it went back in the fridge unopened and has been in there ever since. 

I expected I’d use it in cocktails or something later this summer. Then we walked past a coffee shop during our trip to the Seattle area this past weekend, and the whiteboard out front caught my attention. 

Lemonade lavender smoothie. 

I’m not at all a smoothie person. To the point where I call them shakes and not smoothies. But the unique combination of ingredients of this one drew me in. I didn’t stop and try it, but I did jot down the idea in the list I’ve entitled Recipe Ideas in the notes section of my phone.  

What I liked about the idea of it wasn’t only the combination of the lemonade and lavender. It was also the simplicity. It’s not the kind of shake that you try to pack with vegetables or protein powder. It’s nice and straightforward with no promises of superfood super powers. (Sometimes I get tired of worrying about superfood super powers.) And with yogurt, suitable for breakfast. 

First, you have to make some lemonade ice cubes. This will give you a thick, slushy-ish shake. I like to use a tangy, not-too-sweet lemonade and the TJ’s version is really good. If you’d like more control over the flavor and the sugar, though, a homemade version would be even better. 

Simply fill an ice cube tray or two with lemonade and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours, likely longer depending on your freezer. 

Next is the lavender. I have some culinary lavender and I don’t mind a bite of lavender here or there in the shake so it worked perfectly. If you aren’t a fan of the floral nibbles, crush it well between your fingers and then blend, blend, blend to incorporate it into the shake. Another option would be to infuse your lemonade before using it and skip the addition of the lavender flower. 

Choose a whole fat yogurt for this one, or at least 2%. Using lemonade versus straight lemon juice should keep the yogurt from curdling, but higher fat dairy is more resistant to the effects of acid. The full-fat yogurt makes a much better shake. 

When the cubes and the lavender are blended with yogurt it becomes the best sweet, tangy, slightly floral shake. Super refreshing and a great drink for summer, regardless of whether you are trying to use up leftover lemonade or make a special trip to get some just to make the recipe. 

What you’ll need:

2 cups lemonade ice cubes
1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 cup lemonade
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon culinary lavender

How to make it:

Place all ingredients in a blender. Add the amount of lemonade based on how thick you like your shakes, and the lavender based on how much lavender flavor you enjoy. 

Puree on high for 20 to 30 seconds until all ingredients are combined. Serve right away.