This time of year is such a treat if you have lavender in your garden. It’s pretty, smells amazing, repels mosquitoes, has health benefits… have I convinced you to put one in the ground yet? Talk about a plant that gives back. This year I decided to bring it inside and enjoy it as much as possible by making some lavender lemonade. If you don’t have fresh lavender, a dried culinary one or essential oil will do.
This lavender lemonade would be a fantastic drink to serve guests at a party, or just make a big batch and keep it all for yourself. It’s pretty amazing and wouldn’t be too bad with a bit of gin stirred in.
Ingredients
- 8 sprigs lavender with stem, plus extra for garnish
- 8 lemons (or 2 cups lemon juice)
- 2 cups sugar
- 16 cups water
Instructions
- Boil the water, sugar and lavender until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice. Let cool. Strain into containers. Chill in refrigerator.
Bonus! Directions for a Lavender, Lemon and Vanilla Simmer Pot:
After having this delicious smell around, I figured why not use the leftover ingredients to make a simmer pot. If you’ve never done this before, it’s so simple. Essentially you are just simmering fragrant ingredients on the stovetop to make a natural potpourri. I’m usually very flexible with simmer pots, tossing things in and adding water when needed. The one thing to remember is to have enough water that your ingredients don’t burn.
To start, add about 4 cups of water in a saucepan on low heat. Use around 4 lemon halves, the used lavender sprigs (or new ones if you have them cut). I threw in some vanilla beans for good measure (you could use a couple drops vanilla extract if you don’t have vanilla beans). If you want your house to smell like a fresh and yummy cocoon of relaxation, then by all means simmer away.
I put together this image exclusively for all you Pinterest lovers! Pin away!
