A Midnight Delight: Lavender Lemonade Mocktail

Allergens

None

Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons) 2 cups cold water 3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers, divided 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 sprigs of fresh lavender for garnish Sparkling water to taste

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice, water, and 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers. Gently heat the mixture over low heat until it starts to simmer, then remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. While the lavender lemon mixture steeps, dissolve sugar in 1 cup of hot water and stir until fully combined. Allow the syrup to cool.
3. Strain the lemon lavender mixture into a pitcher through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the spent lavender flowers.
4. Pour the cooled sugar syrup and strained lemon lavender mixture into the pitcher, stirring well to combine. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
5. To serve, fill two elegant glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled lavender lemonade over them. Top with sparkling water to taste, garnishing each glass with a fresh lavender sprig.

Chef’s Insight

The combination of lemon and lavender creates a perfect balance between tartness and sweetness. Experiment with different sugar alternatives like honey or agave nectar for a more natural sweetener.

Notes

This recipe is easily customizable by adjusting the sweetness to personal preference.