Beating the summer heat calls for a refreshing, tasty drink. After almost 2 weeks of traveling by myself with 2 kids, I am finally back home and ready to kick back, relax, and sip on something super special, like Cava’s Blueberry Lavender Refresher. It’s perfect for summer just like my favorite Cucumber Mint Lime drink , combining the sweet tang of blueberries with the light scent of lavender for a unique and delicious taste.
This drink is sure to impress, inspired by the popular drink at Cava Restaurants. I’ve enjoyed this drink at Cava Restaurants and found the best way to make it at home. Let’s make the Cava Blueberry Lavender Juice Recipe and see what makes it so special.
How to Make Cava Blueberry Lavender
Making Cava Blueberry Lavender Copycat is so easy and requires just a few key ingredients and tools. Its great for when you want to drink something sweet or as your mid-day break drink. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your own Cava Style Blueberry Lavender at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. lavender buds: These aromatic buds are the star of the show, infusing the drink with a floral essence.
- 1 cup wild blueberries: Fresh or frozen wild blueberries work best, providing a rich, fruity base.
- 1 cup filtered water: Ensures a clean, pure taste.
- 1 cup raw cane sugar: Panela cane sugar is recommended for its deep, molasses-like flavor.
Kitchen Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Strainer
- Bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Glasses or pitcher
Recipe Instructions To Make Cava Blueberry Lavender
Step1: Making the Lavender Syrup:
Put the lavender buds in a cup and pour 1 cup of boiling filtered water over them. Let steep for around 10-15 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds, and let the lavender syrup cool or Place the lavender buds in a small saucepan and pour 1 cup of filtered water over them.
Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for around 10-15 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds, and let the lavender syrup cool.
Step 2: Mashing the Blueberries:
In a bowl, mash the wild blueberries well with a fork or potato masher.
Step3: Making the Blueberry Lavender Puree:
In a saucepan, combine the mashed wild blueberries, 2 tbsp. lavender buds, and 1 cup raw cane sugar. Simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes to infuse flavors.
Step 4: Assembling the Drinks and Serving:
Fill a glass or pitcher with ice cubes. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the blueberry lavender puree into each glass. Pour the 1 cup water. Garnish each glass with a few fresh blueberries, lemon chunk and a sprig of lavender. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Recipe Variations for Cava Blueberry Lavender
This Cava Blueberry Lavender Recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to adapt it to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some user-friendly variations that you can try at home to put your own spin on this refreshing drink.
- Sparkling Blueberry Lavender: Replace still water with sparkling water or soda for a fizzy twist.
- Blueberry Lavender Cocktail: Add a splash of gin, vodka, or champagne for a sophisticated adult version.
- Herbal Blueberry Lavender: Infuse with herbs like mint or basil for a garden-fresh flavor.
- Sugar-Free Blueberry Lavender: Substitute raw cane sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a guilt-free version.
- Creamy Blueberry Lavender Smoothie: Blend the puree with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative and some milk for a nutritious, creamy drink.
What to Eat with Cava Blueberry Lavender
Cava Blueberry Lavender is a refreshing drink that pairs well with many foods. To find the perfect food match, think about complementing those flavors! Here are some ideas:
Light Snacks and Appetizers
Cheese Platters
- Pairing a cheese platter with your Cava Blueberry Lavender drink is a match made in heaven. The fruity and floral notes of the drink complement the rich, creamy flavors of cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, and blue cheese.
- Add some nuts, dried fruits, and crackers to your platter for a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Fresh Fruit
- Fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and peaches pair beautifully with the blueberry and lavender flavors of the drink. The natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruits enhance the refreshing quality of the beverage.
- Create a simple fruit salad or serve the fruits as they are for a light, healthy snack.
Finger Sandwiches
- Light finger sandwiches, especially those with cucumber, cream cheese, or smoked salmon, are perfect companions for Cava Blueberry Lavender. The mild flavors of the sandwiches balance the drink’s sweetness and floral notes.
- Cut the sandwiches into small, bite-sized pieces for an elegant touch.
Main Courses
Salads
- A fresh green salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing pairs wonderfully with Cava Blueberry Lavender. The crispness of the salad and the tangy dressing complement the drink’s flavors.
- Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a more substantial meal.
Grilled Chicken or Fish
- Grilled chicken or fish, seasoned with herbs and lemon, pairs excellently with the drink. The light, savory flavors of the protein enhance the fruity and floral notes of the beverage.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or quinoa for a well-rounded meal.
Pasta Dishes
- Light pasta dishes, such as those with lemon and herb sauces, work well with the Cava Blueberry Lavender drink. The citrus and herb flavors in the pasta complement the drink’s refreshing profile.
- Avoid heavy, creamy sauces as they can overpower the delicate flavors of the beverage.
Desserts
Cheesecake
- The creamy texture and tangy flavor of cheesecake make it a fantastic pairing with Cava Blueberry Lavender. The drink’s fruity and floral notes cut through the richness of the cheesecake, creating a balanced dessert experience.
- Consider a blueberry or lemon cheesecake to echo the flavors in the drink.
Lemon Bars
- Lemon bars, with their tart and sweet profile, pair beautifully with the Cava Blueberry Lavender drink. The zesty lemon flavor complements the floral lavender and blueberry notes in the beverage.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing end to your meal.
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
- Lavender shortbread cookies are a delightful match for this drink, enhancing the lavender notes and providing a buttery, crumbly texture.
- These cookies make for an elegant and light dessert or snack.
How to Store Blueberry Lavender
Storing your homemade Blueberry Lavender ensures that you can enjoy this delightful beverage whenever you want, without having to prepare it from scratch each time. Here’s how to properly store both the blueberry lavender puree and the lavender syrup to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Storing the Blueberry Lavender Puree
Refrigeration:
- Container: Transfer the blueberry lavender puree into an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they prevent the puree from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
- Duration: Store the puree in the refrigerator for up to one week. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to keep the puree fresh.
- Labeling: Label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness.
Freezing:
- Preparation: Pour the blueberry lavender puree into ice cube trays. This method allows you to use small portions as needed without defrosting the entire batch.
- Freezing: Place the trays in the freezer and let the puree freeze completely, which typically takes a few hours.
- Storage: Once frozen, transfer the puree cubes into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. This method prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to use individual cubes.
- Duration: The puree can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to label the bag or container with the date.
Storing the Lavender Syrup
Refrigeration:
- Container: Pour the cooled lavender syrup into a clean, airtight bottle or jar. Mason jars work well for this purpose.
- Duration: Store the lavender syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure the container is sealed to maintain its freshness.
- Labeling: Don’t forget to label the container with the date it was made.
Freezing:
- Preparation: For longer storage, pour the lavender syrup into ice cube trays, just like the puree.
- Freezing: Allow the syrup to freeze completely.
- Storage: Transfer the frozen syrup cubes into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for convenient storage.
- Duration: The syrup can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Label the container with the date to track its freshness.
Tips for Using Stored Blueberry Lavender
- Defrosting: When you’re ready to use the stored puree or syrup, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it at room temperature or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
- Consistency: Stir the puree or syrup well after thawing, as freezing can sometimes change the texture slightly.
- Single Servings: Using ice cube trays allows for easy portion control, letting you add a cube or two to your drinks or recipes without thawing the entire batch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use dried blueberries?
Yes, but you might need to adjust the sugar and water content since dried blueberries are more concentrated in flavor.
Is this drink suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Just ensure the lavender used is safe and not too strong for their taste.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can substitute the raw cane sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
What if I don’t have fresh lavender?
Dried culinary lavender is a great substitute. Just use a slightly smaller amount since dried lavender is more potent.
How can I make the drink more vibrant in color?
Add a few drops of natural food coloring or use a higher ratio of blueberries to intensify the color.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the vodka or gin in the boozy variation?
Absolutely! You can try using a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda for a bubbly twist.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lavender syrup and blueberry lavender puree in advance, and then assemble the drinks when ready to serve.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the raw cane sugar with your preferred vegan sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
Cava Blueberry Lavender Recipe
Make the refreshing Cava Blueberry Lavender Recipe, a delightful blend of wild blueberries, lavender syrup, and sparkling water. Perfect for any occasion or for just refreshment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. lavender buds
- 1 cup wild blueberries
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup raw cane sugar (I use just panela cane)
Instructions
- Making the Lavender Syrup: Put the lavender buds in a cup and pour 1 cup of boiling filtered water over them. Let steep for around 10-15 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds, and let the lavender syrup cool or Place the lavender buds in a small saucepan and pour 1 cup of filtered water over them. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for around 10-15 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds, and let the lavender syrup cool.
- Mashing the Blueberries: In a bowl, mash the wild blueberries well with a fork or potato masher.
- Making the Blueberry Lavender Puree: In a saucepan, combine the mashed wild blueberries, 2 tbsp. lavender buds, and 1 cup raw cane sugar. Simmer for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 20 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Assembling the Drinks and Serving: Fill a glass or pitcher with ice cubes. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the blueberry lavender puree into each glass. Pour the 1 cup water. Garnish each glass with a few fresh blueberries, lemon chunk and a sprig of lavender. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 28gProtein: 0g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Conclusion
The Cava Blueberry Lavender Recipe is a refreshing beverage that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. With its unique blend of fruity and floral flavors, it stands out as a special drink that’s easy to make at home.
Enjoy the burst of wild blueberries and the calming essence of lavender in every sip. It removes tiredness and makes you feel refreshed, making it the perfect choice for hot weather. Cheers to a refreshing and flavorful summer.
