Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

• •Small saucepan
• •Fine-mesh strainer
• •Large glass pitcher (2-quart capacity)
• •Citrus juicer or reamer

Instructions

1. 1

   Make lavender simple syrup

   Combine sugar and one cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about three to four minutes. The liquid should turn from cloudy to crystal clear. Remove from heat immediately once you see this transformation.

   Never boil simple syrup vigorously. Gentle heat preserves clarity and prevents the syrup from becoming too thick or developing off-flavors.
2. 2

   Steep the lavender

   Add dried culinary lavender to the hot syrup. Stir once to submerge all the buds. Cover the pan and let steep for exactly ten minutes. Watch your clock. Lavender turns bitter and medicinal if overextracted. The syrup will take on a pale purple-gray hue and smell like a Provençal summer.

   Culinary lavender is essential. Ornamental varieties are often treated with pesticides and taste like perfume. Look for Lavandula angustifolia at specialty grocers or herb shops.
3. 3

   Strain and cool

   Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe measuring cup or bowl, pressing gently on the lavender buds with the back of a spoon to extract every drop of flavor. Discard the spent buds. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, about thirty minutes, or refrigerate to speed the process.

4. 4

   Juice the lemons

   Roll each lemon firmly against your countertop before cutting. This breaks down the internal membranes and releases more juice. Cut in half crosswise and juice thoroughly. Strain through a mesh strainer to catch seeds and excess pulp, though a bit of pulp adds honest character.

   Room temperature lemons yield nearly twice the juice of cold ones. Pull them from the refrigerator an hour before juicing, or microwave for fifteen seconds.
5. 5

   Combine and balance

   In a large pitcher, combine the cooled lavender syrup with fresh lemon juice. Stir well to integrate. Add the cold water gradually, tasting as you go. The balance should lean slightly tart with floral sweetness following behind. Adjust with more water if too intense, a touch more syrup if too sharp.

6. 6

   Chill thoroughly

   Refrigerate the lemonade for at least two hours before serving. Cold temperatures mute sweetness and heighten acidity, so the flavors will settle into proper harmony as it chills. This patience separates a refined drink from a hasty one.

7. 7

   Serve with ceremony

   Fill tall glasses with fresh ice, preferably large cubes that melt slowly. Pour the lemonade over the ice, leaving room at the top. Garnish each glass with a fresh lavender sprig and a thin lemon wheel. The lavender should rest against the inside of the glass where guests can admire it as they drink.

   For large gatherings, freeze some lemonade in ice cube trays the day before. These lavender lemonade cubes keep the pitcher cold without dilution.

Chef Tips

• •Source your lavender from reputable spice merchants or farmers markets. The small purple buds should be fragrant when rubbed between your fingers. If they smell dusty or faint, they're too old to use.
• •This lemonade improves overnight. The flavors marry and mellow, and the color deepens slightly. Make it the day before your gathering if time allows.
• •For a sparkling variation, reduce the still water to four cups and top each glass with two ounces of club soda just before serving. The bubbles carry the lavender aroma beautifully.
• •Add a tablespoon of honey to the simple syrup for rounder sweetness that complements the floral notes. Wildflower honey works particularly well.

Advance Preparation

• •Lavender simple syrup can be made up to two weeks ahead and refrigerated in a sealed jar. It also freezes well for up to three months.
• •Complete lemonade keeps refrigerated for up to five days. The color may fade slightly but the flavor remains true.
• •For batched entertaining, prepare the syrup and juice separately, then combine just before guests arrive. This maintains the brightest flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Information

1 serving (about 240g)