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. Â The only problem is that I always feel like I’m doing something disastrously rude or uncouth. Â I don’t hold my fork and knife in the correct hands. Â I’m not sure if I’m allowed to clink my tea cup. Â Good grief, I think I just slurped my tea. Â Holy smokes… that’s the third time I’ve almost been hit by a car. Â 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. Â 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. Â It’s simple and divine. Â 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. Â 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. Â Honey adds to the color.
This mixture is super fragrant. Â Spa and nap inspiring.
Let’s play find the kitten nose.
This lavender lemonade is totally going to be a summer staple. Â Topped with a bit of unsweetened iced tea… it’s just perfect.
Everyone likes their lemonade to taste different. Â Some like it sweet. Â Some like it tart. Â This version leans towards the sweeter side. Â 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 Â 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. Â Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Â Remove from heat. Â Stir in honey and lavender. Â Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Â 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. Â Stir and chill. Â Serve cold, over ice. Â






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