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Lavender Lemonade 16/16

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Lavender Lemonade

If you want to balance the punchy flavors of traditional lemonade with something a bit more delicate for summer, this lavender lemonade is for you! It’s not too sweet, but it’s still ultra-refreshing on one of the first warm weekends of the year. Better yet, it will look amazing on your picnic table!

Ingredients (for about 1 gallon):

  • 2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10-12 large lemons)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1/4 cup fresh lavender flowers (make sure they are culinary-grade)
  • Ice cubes, for serving
  • Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and the fresh lavender flowers. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the lavender steep in the water for about 5 min.
  3. After steeping, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the lavender infusion cool completely.
  4. Strain the lavender flowers from the infusion and discard them. You should have about 1 3/4 cups of lavender-infused water.
  5. In another saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with 1 cup of water.
  6. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  7. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.
  8. In a large pitcher or beverage dispenser, combine the fresh lemon juice, lavender-infused water, and the remaining 6 3/4 cups of water.
  9. Stir in the cooled simple syrup until well combined.
  10. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if desired.
  11. Chill the lavender lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it is thoroughly chilled.
  12. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lavender lemonade over the ice.
  13. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh lavender, if desired.
  14. Serve fresh, and enjoy!

 

Hungry for more? Check out our 45 Slow Cooker Recipes for Summer!


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