Lavender Lemonade

While out visiting with my sister in Arizona recently, I decided it was a good opportunity to try out a refreshing beverage we have both been wanting to try for a while now.  For those of you who don't know, I am quite in love with most all (naturally flavored) lavender things.  Its such a relaxing and pleasant flavor! As a child, I did not like lavender AT ALL!  I have come to the conclusion that that was probably a combination of childish tastes and a cheap lavender lotion I had back then. I know there are many people who don't think lavender is good as a flavor but I really must encourage you to try it! Its just so YUM!  You will feel like you're being pampered at a spa! This refreshing lavender treat is simple to make and you will love it!

You will need:
1/2-1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
6 cups of water
2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers (this can be found pretty inexpensively at Sprouts grocery stores in their spice section)
1/2 cup honey

In a large pot, bring your water to a boil. While your water is heating, juice your lemons and set the juice aside.

Once your water reaches a boil, remove from heat.  Mix in your 1/2 cup of honey.

 



Once your honey is dissolved, pour in your lemon juice. I prefer my lemonade on the tart side, so I used the full cup of lemon juice. If you are not a fan of tart lemonade, start with the half cup. Once your lemonade is cool, if you feel it needs more juice, you can add it at that time.

Next step is to infuse the lavender flavor.  The simplest way to do this is to make a tea bag out of cheesecloth, fill it with the lavender flowers and steep it in the heated lemonade for 3-5 minutes. If you don't have cheesecloth, like me, you can simply stir in the lavender.

My adorable niece decided to help me stir. She kept leaning over the pot, smelling the wonderful lavender aroma as the flowers steeped.

After the steeping time, use a strainer to remove the lavender flowers.

Let your freshly made lemonade cool to room temperature. You can then chill it or pour over ice and enjoy! This is a perfect summer time beverage. Perfect to cool down during our California heatwave!