If you’ve ever been to First Watch, chances are you’ve spotted the beautiful, jewel-toned Purple Haze drink on the menu. It’s a refreshing, slightly sweet, deeply purple drink made with fresh ingredients like blueberries, lavender, and lemonade — and it’s just as good for you as it looks.
This homemade version of First Watch’s Purple Haze brings that same bright, bold flavor to your table with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It’s delicious over ice, stunning in a glass, and perfect for sipping on a sunny day — or any time you want to feel energized and refreshe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Purple Haze drink is refreshingly light and naturally sweetened with honey, making it a great option for both kids and adults. The mix of lemonade and berries adds a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Blueberries and blackberries give it that stunning purple color while packing in antioxidants for a wellness boost. Lavender brings calming floral notes that elevate every sip.
It’s also incredibly easy to make in big batches, so it’s perfect for brunch, summer parties, or just keeping chilled in the fridge. Whether you serve it over ice or with sparkling water, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemonade (or store-bought)
- ½ tablespoon dried culinary lavender (or 1 drop lavender extract)
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1 cup water
- Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
- Ice for serving
- Optional: extra berries and lemon slices for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use frozen berries if fresh aren’t in season — they work perfectly.
- Strain well to remove seeds and skins for a smoother drink.
- Don’t boil the lavender — steep it like tea to avoid bitterness.
- Chill before serving for the best refreshing flavor.
- Add sparkling water for a fizzy twist that makes it extra fun.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Pitcher
- Tall glasses
- Spoon or stirrer
Substitutions & Variations
- Sweetener: Swap honey for agave, maple syrup, or monk fruit for sugar-free.
- Lemonade: Use pink lemonade or a lemon-lime blend for added flavor.
- Herbal variation: Use mint instead of lavender for a fresh twist.
- Make it fizzy: Add ½ cup sparkling water just before serving.
- Adult version: Add a splash of vodka or gin for a brunch cocktail.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the berry-lavender concentrate up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
Just mix with lemonade and ice when ready to serve. It also keeps well in a pitcher for a brunch spread — just stir before serving.
Instructions
1. Make the Berry Base
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, blackberries, and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until berries burst — about 7–10 minutes.
2. Add Lavender and Sweetener
Remove from heat. Stir in dried lavender and honey (or agave). Cover and let steep for 10 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
3. Strain the Mixture
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Discard solids.
4. Mix with Lemonade
Stir in lemonade and the juice of half a lemon for brightness. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled Purple Haze mixture over. Garnish with extra berries, lemon slices, or lavender sprigs if desired.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover Purple Haze in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. Do not freeze — the texture will change due to lemon juice and fruit content.
Recipe FAQs
1. What makes it purple?
The deep color comes from simmering blueberries and blackberries — no artificial dyes needed!
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch. Use high-quality juice with no added sugar.
3. What if I don’t have lavender?
You can leave it out or swap in mint or basil for a different herbal note.
4. Can I make it ahead for brunch?
Yes! Prepare the full recipe and keep it chilled in a pitcher. Stir well before serving over ice.
The Final Pour
Refreshing, fruity, and full of vibrant color, this First Watch Purple Haze copycat is everything you want in a feel-good drink.
Whether you’re serving it with pancakes, brunch toast, or sipping it on the patio, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today, and let me know — did you go with lavender or mint?