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. The only problem is that I always feel like I’m doing something disastrously rude or uncouth. I don’t hold my fork and knife in the correct hands. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to clink my tea cup. Good grief, I think I just slurped my tea. Holy smokes… that’s the third time I’ve almost been hit by a car. 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. 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. It’s simple and divine. 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. 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. Honey adds to the color.
This mixture is super fragrant. Spa and nap inspiring.
Let’s play find the kitten nose.
This lavender lemonade is totally going to be a summer staple. Topped with a bit of unsweetened iced tea… it’s just perfect.
Everyone likes their lemonade to taste different. Some like it sweet. Some like it tart. This version leans towards the sweeter side. 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 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. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in honey and lavender. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes. 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. Stir and chill. Serve cold, over ice.
Allen Lawther
Lemon oil may be used in aromatherapy. Researchers at The Ohio State University found that lemon oil aroma does not influence the human immune system, but may enhance mood.
Lauren Decke
I stumbled upon your website earlier this afternoon, that was at 1pm…. it’s now 6. Amidst my mad dash last minute study for my final exam of the year tomorrow, I am dropping everything to go find everything I need for this recipe, because really… lavender + lemonade = everything being okay!
Silvia Uñas de Gel
Me encanta cocinar con lavanda y va muy bien con limón. De hecho, hoy he hecho barras de limón lavanda para una multitud de gente, y fueron fantásticas!
Carla colesterol
Que buena pinta tienen los refrescos de limonada. Con el calor que hemos pasado hoy en Madrid me beberia uno bien cargadito.
Lorena
oh my oh my, i’m totally preparing this today. thank you !