Hey Heart of Haute Fans,
This is Mandie Bee and I have a totally non-fashion related post, but I felt like sharing some serious yum!
I moved to a house (which I've named, the Honey Pot) that happens to have both a lemon tree and a lavender plant in the yard. Lavender has a natural calming affect and can be used in food and bath products. You can also rub lavender oil to soothe sore joints, keep certain insects out of the house, and help you sleep. Mixing it into tea or sweet lemonade is probably the best and tastiest way to enjoy it. I had a rather busy day here, getting things ready for Viva. I got home and decided put lavender to the test and see if it would actually soothe this busy bee.
In this entry, I'm going to show you a little step by step about how I make lavender lemonade. Trust me, it's rather simple.
You will need:
- approx. 3/4 cup of lavender buds and leaf sprigs
- 1 cup pure lemon juice
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup raw sugar or honey
- 2 cups lukewarm water (or more depending on your taste)
- a music playing device and your favorite music....this is important.
Step One: Put on some tunes... please don't skip this step. It's the most important ingredient ;)
Step Two: Pick your lavender! You can buy food-grade lavender at certain special grocery stores, but I just cut mine from the yard. It's still good! The more flowers on the bud, the better. This will add a slight pinkish tint to the lemonade, too. The sprigs (leaves at the bottom of the stems) are the most aromatic part of the plant.
Step Three: Pick your lemons! I have tons of them. You can get them from me if you'd like. Seriously- I can't use all these lemons. I used 10 lemons to make 1 cup of juice. Some lemons will make more, some will make less. Meyer lemons are the sweetest!
Step Four: Cut the lemons in halves and juice 'em!
Cut lavender into pieces- buds and sprigs. Pour hot water over and let steep for 10 minutes.
I have a little tea pot that I use for loose leaf tea, you can also use a regular pot and put the pieces directly into hot water. You will need to strain the pieces of lavender plant out before adding it to the lemonade.
I had to flip the record by this point....
Step Six: Mix it up!
I don't have photos for the next steps...
You'll want to mix your sugar or honey in a pitcher with the hot lavender water first until the sugars dissolve. Next, add the lemon juice. Add cold or lukewarm water until you achieve just the right taste. You can add more sugar if you like, as well.
Tada!!! Lavender Lemonade! Just what I needed to help me chill out after a long day at work....
To make this drink alcoholic, I suggest adding a shot of vodka and some ginger ale. And a flexi-straw.
You'll notice this lemonade has a purple or pinkish tint to it from the flower buds. You should also find it has a unique, floral taste that accompanies the obvious- but I think it seemingly tames the tartness of the lemon. Pour your fancy lemonade over ice and enjoy the music.
With Love & No Regrets,
Mandie Bee