I’m back from London, and I already miss the Queen, the polite taxi drivers, and Beefeater (the gin… and the red-coated dudes with the bear skin hats).
London is so lovely. ย The only problem is that I always feel like I’m doing something disastrously rude or uncouth. ย I don’t hold my fork and knife in the correct hands. ย I’m not sure if I’m allowed to clink my tea cup. ย Good grief, I think I just slurped my tea. ย Holy smokes… that’s the third time I’ve almost been hit by a car. ย Which way am I supposed to look down the street!?!?
I’m back in Venice where I can put my feet up on things, and slurp whatever I see fit. ย There’s a super hippie drum circle taking place down the road… no matter what I do, I look pretty posh in comparison.
In honor of thirst and homecomings, I’ve gussied up a pitcher of lemonade using dried lavender. ย It’s simple and divine. ย Most likely Queen and drum circle approved.
Lemons into lemonade.
Lavender into lemonade instead of a sachet.
My parents got this juicer as a wedding gift in 1979. ย Much like my parents, it’s never allowed to die.
Lavender is steeped in a mixture of warm water, sugar and honey.
The slightly brown color behind the dried lavender buds is natural sugar dissolved in water. ย Honey adds to the color.
This mixture is super fragrant. ย Spa and nap inspiring.
Let’s play find the kitten nose.
This lavender lemonade is totally going to be a summer staple. ย Topped with a bit of unsweetened iced tea… it’s just perfect.
Everyone likes their lemonade to taste different. ย Some like it sweet. ย Some like it tart. ย This version leans towards the sweeter side. ย Feel free to adjust as you find necessary.
Lavender Lemonade
makes about 8 cups
2 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
3 ย heaping tablespoons dried culinary lavender
2 cups fresh lemon juice
4 cups water (plus more to your taste)
In a medium pot over medium heat, combine 2 cups water, and sugar. ย Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. ย Remove from heat. ย Stir in honey and lavender. ย Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes. ย Strain out lavender and press buds into the bottom of the strainer to release any syrup left behind.
In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, lavender syrup, and water. ย Stir and chill. ย Serve cold, over ice. ย
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