Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup dried culinary lavender buds
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Pitcher
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the dried lavender buds to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the lavender syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
5. Add the fresh lemon juice and 4 cups of water to the pitcher and stir well.
6. Chill the lavender lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
7. Serve the lavender lemonade over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature for the preparation
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use honey instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option.
- Fresh culinary lavender buds can be used instead of dried lavender buds.
Variations:
- Add a splash of vodka or gin for a boozy lavender lemonade.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a stronger lavender flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the lavender syrup to avoid breaking the lavender buds.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice to your taste preference.
- Make sure to strain the lavender syrup well to remove any small pieces of lavender buds.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover lavender lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- You can reheat the lavender lemonade in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lavender lemonade in a clear glass pitcher to show off the beautiful lavender color.
- Add a few drops of purple food coloring to enhance the lavender color.
Garnishes:
- Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs
Pairings:
- Lavender lemonade pairs well with light salads, grilled chicken, and seafood dishes.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables, quinoa salad, or roasted potatoes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lavender flavor is too strong, dilute the lavender lemonade with more water or lemon juice.
- If the lavender flavor is too weak, add a few more lavender buds to the syrup.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the lavender lemonade.
- Store any leftover lavender lemonade in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.
Food history:
- Lavender has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. It was commonly used in ancient Egypt and Rome for its fragrance and healing properties.
Flavor profiles:
- Lavender lemonade has a sweet and tangy flavor with a subtle floral note from the lavender.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lavender lemonade in a tall glass over ice cubes with lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish.
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Taste: Refreshing, Tart, Floral, Sweet, Citrusy