Lavender Lemonade......a refreshing drink on a hot summer day

Lavender, such a fragrant plant full of healthy oils and easy to grow.  I have many, many plants in my yard and enjoy each and every one. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast I have been able to grow so many amazing plants - Lavender is one of those plants and is so easy to grow and the lavender buds are easy to harvest. Lavender is best harvested just before the buds open.  The scent of lavender is so very calming, used in essentials oils, teas and bath salts, and cooking too.  Today my niece Leah posted a beautiful photo of some lavender she harvested from her garden and this inspired me to make some Lavender Lemonade.  Watching the chemical reaction when the steeped lavender water is added to the lemon/ sugar and water mixture is amazing to see.  (there is a video of this in this blog).  I hope you enjoy this recipe and the Lavender Lemonade this summer.



 

LAVENDER LEMONADE 

 

You will need approximately 4-5 lemons and some fresh lavender buds.

The lavender buds have been stripped from their stems and added to boiling water.

The lemons have been juiced and measured.

After steeping the lavender buds for 15 minutes, strain through a coffee filter.

 

This is what the 'lavender water' looks like (smells amazing)

 

 The lemon juice, sugar and water have been mixed and waiting for the 'lavender water'.

 

Watch what happens when the lavender water is poured into the lemon/sugar/water mixture.

 You have Lavender Lemonade....such a pretty and flavourful drink.

 

 

 

LAVENDER LEMONADE RECIPE

 



Makes 11 cups
1 cup fresh (lightly packed) lavender buds
2 cups boiling water
8 cups cold water
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar
Lavender stems and strawberries for garnish
In a bowl, steep lavender in boiling water for 15 minutes
Pour through a clean coffee filter. Set aside
In a large pitcher or jar, stir together cold water, lemon juice and sugar.

 Add the Lavender infusion, ice, lemon slices, and fresh lavender blossoms
Serve with strawberries on Lavender skewers.

 

 

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth 

find reserves of strength that will endure
as long as life lasts.”
~Rachel Carson