Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Lavender Lemonade




I've heard of a lot of ways to make this refreshing drink. Basically, you add something with lavender to lemonade, and you serve it iced cold. Here are a few ways I know of:

Add brewed lavender tea to lemonade. Of course, you can use fresh lemonade, frozen concentrate, or instant. The problem with most of these drinks is that light yellow and pale purple make brown. You don't get a very appetizing-looking drink. Try looking for white lemonade, or even use a white grape with lemon slices. The basic ratio is 3 parts lemon drink to 1 part lavender tea.

If you aren't sure how the lavender flavor will play at your house, or if you prefer a very lightly lavender flavored drink, make fresh lemonade and sweeten with lavender sugar. I blogged about that a few days ago. You infuse the sugar with lavender by storing sugar and some lavender buds or flowers in a tightly capped container and shake it every few days. I like this version- it's very subtle and refreshing. (photo above)

It's not easy to find, but they do make lavender syrups. It comes in big bottles- the ones they use to flavor coffees. You can add lavender syrup to lemonade.

Another way to make a very subtle lavender-flavored drink is to start with lemonade, and then garnish with a lemon slice and a few short stems of fresh lavender.

My advice with all of these versions is to start with lemonade and slowly add whatever you are using for lavender flavor. Start with just a little and add to taste. If you love lavender, then go for it. But if you're new to the flavor, add it gradually.

Enjoy! It's unique and refreshing.

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