The neighborhood sharing program continues here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. My girlfriend and neighbor Colleen bought me 3 gorgeous bundles of fresh lavender from her garden last week. I gave one bundle to my other girlfriend, evidently lavender is good for the hen house. Then, the other bundles I got a little crafty with, and put into vases. However, now that I’ve discovered the simple equation of lavender + sugar + water = lavender simple syrup, I’m not sure how long I’ll have them around for decoration. Which is a shame, because it’s so damn pretty!
But this lemonade. Oh my. It’s so different and delicious, I know that I’ll be drinking it all summer long. The lavender is not overpowering, and the tart lemon still definitely shines through. It’s such a perfect balance. And how lovely is it in a tall glass filled with ice, and a little sprig of lavender for garnish? The only thing that would make it lovelier is a splash of vodka or gin. Now, please excuse me while I go plant a lavender bush. Then I’ll harvest it next year, and channel my inner Joan Crawford.
Lavender Lemonade
5 cups water
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice (5 lemons)
juice of 1 lime
5 sprigs fresh lavender, plus additional for garnish
lemon slices, for garnish
Bring 2 cups water, sugar, and lavender to a boil over medium heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Turn off heat, cover, and let steep 1 hour.
Combine remaining 3 cups water, lemon juice, and lime juice in a pitcher. Place a fine-mesh strainer over the top. Carefully strain the lavender simple syrup into the pitcher, discarding lavender. Stir to combine.
Serve in glasses over ice with lemon slices and a sprig of lavender for garnish.
Source: adapted from Thug Kitchen