Lavender Lemonade

As promised, I'm back with the Lavender Lemonade recipe. I made a huge double batch of this for The Land of Nod Tour Bus stop at our place. I think everyone enjoyed it. It's got a great earthy taste and is super refreshing.

Last summer, when I was at my parent's place in Northern Cali, I had a glass of Lavender Lemonade on the Plaza in Arcata. Ever since I've been wanting to make some for myself. Having a party is always a good excuse to try something new. I'm so glad I've figured this out.  This will be a Summer staple in our house.

Lavender Lemonade

5-6 lemons (enough to make 1 cup of lemon juice)

2 quarts of water

ice

lemon slices for each glass

Lavender Simple Syrup (this is enough to make two pitchers of lemonade)

2 cups sugar

1 cup water

2 tbsp. dried lavender

To start, you'll need to make a lavender simple syrup.  It's best if you make it a day before.  

With a mortar and pestle, crush the lavender to release the oil.  In a small sauce pan, bring to a boil all the ingredients.  Let boil for 1 min.  Remove from heat, pour into a glass container, cover and refrigerate over night.  The next day, pour the simple syrup through a fine sift.  

To make a 2 quart pitcher of lemonade, combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/2 of the simple syrup and enough water to make 2 quarts.  You can adjust the sweetness of the lemonade by adding more or less syrup and lemon juice. 

Happy Friday!  It's been in the 90F's all week here, so we're ready to cool off with a refreshing drink.  I hope you have a great weekend.  I'm going camping with my hubby's Ecology Club in the Sequoias.  Man, I need a weekend at home, too much fun and traveling lately.