Lavender Lemonade

Lavender lemonade is a delightful and refreshing drink that combines the citrusy brightness of lemons with the subtle floral notes of lavender. It's perfect for a hot summer day or any time you want a unique and aromatic beverage. Here's a simple recipe to make your own lavender lemonade:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 cups water

• 2-3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds (make sure they're food-grade)

• Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Make Lavender Infused Syrup:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar.

   • Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

   • Once the sugar is fully dissolved, add the dried lavender buds to the syrup.

   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then immediately remove it from the heat.

   • Let the lavender steep in the syrup for about 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavor. The longer it steeps, the stronger the lavender flavor will be.

2. Strain and Cool:

   • Strain the lavender-infused syrup to remove the lavender buds. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth.

   • Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

3. Mix the Lemonade:

   • In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the lavender-infused syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of water. Adjust the amount of water or syrup to taste, depending on how sweet or strong you want your lemonade.

4. Chill:

   • Refrigerate the lavender lemonade for at least an hour to chill it thoroughly.

5. Serve:

   • To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lavender lemonade over the ice.

   • Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a fresh lavender sprig if desired.

6. Enjoy:

   • Stir the lavender lemonade well before sipping to ensure all the flavors are nicely mixed. Sip slowly and savor the delightful combination of lemon and lavender.

This lavender lemonade recipe provides a delicate balance of tartness and floral sweetness. Feel free to adjust the sugar and water proportions to suit your personal taste. You can also experiment with adding more or less lavender for a stronger or lighter lavender flavor. It's a perfect choice for picnics, summer gatherings, or whenever you want to enjoy a unique and refreshing beverage.