I love summer! It’s hot enough to get that nice sweaty feeling (something my high school gym teacher referred to as a “glow”) and when all the windows are open, the drapes billow and swoon in the most pleasing way. Amazing things happen in the summer. People seem to smile more and even when they complain about just how goddamn hot it is, you know that it’s all part of the friendly summer conversation. Right now, my windows are open, the drapes are billowing and a block away there is a Chinese marching band doing it’s thing. Cymbals crashing, trumpets blaring and a constant staccato drumbeat to keep everyone in line. Man, what’s not to love? Got an icy beverage in hand? Well, you should! Yesterday I wanted an ice-cold lemonade so I went out to my container garden, snipped some mint leaves and a few sprigs of lavender and decided that not only would my drink be refreshing and herbal, but it would be extra pretty to boot. It was.
I’m new to gardening and I’m already in love with it all. I’ve definitely got the gardening bug! My garden may only be in containers on my small balcony but I’m making the most of it. Read about my container gardening adventures on the Food Network Canada blog, Food for Thought and give me your opinions, tips and share your own small garden experiences!
lavender-mint lemonade
1 c sugar
1 c water
1/2 c mint leaves
1 large handful of lavender stems (leaves & flowers)
1 – 2 T dried lavender flowers
1 c fresh lemon juice
1/4 c fresh lime juice1. Create a sugar syrup by bringing water and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and add in the mint and lavender. When the syrup is cool, add the lemon and lime juice.
2. Strain syrup and pour into a pitcher along with 5 – 8 cups of cold water. Add enough water to suit your tastes. I like a lot of water, so I usually fill up my pitcher with the full amount. Serve over lots of ice and decorate with fresh mint and a few extra springs of lavender.
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so pretty and fresh looking!
oh i love this!
This sounds really interesting. I think I’ve only eaten lavender a few times, once in shortbread that while interesting, was not necessarily tasty. I love mint too, so maybe I’d like this!
I’m back from Elora!! Good times were had overall, as well as a huge torrential downpour on Sunday to create a hot, sticky steambath effect after the rain subsided. Summer weather – what’s not to like?
I just lo-o-ove lemonade! I also really like the idea of lavender and mint included in the lemonade. Wow-wee!!
I will definitely be making this. Now, all I need is to get me a lavender plant as the one I had last summer died in September.
Maybe I’ll even try making lemonade with mint and rose water essense…I tried this drink once at a Morroccan restaurant and it was divine 😀
what an interesting recipe! I love the use of lavender – one of my favorite herbs :0)
This looks lovely!
Thanks for the awesome dining suggestions for my Vancouver trip. We ate at Crave at it was absolutely wonderful!
Thanks Rachel…it’s pretty & delicious 🙂
Me too, emeraldtiger!
Judy, I really like lavender in food…but it really works in this drink. The mint and lemon really help to balance the floral/herby taste and it’s super refreshing & tasy.
Joanne, I hope you sold lots of stuff too! Sounds fun. And definitely give this drink a go…so good!
Veggiegirl, this drink rocks! yum.
Evidee…are you back home now? Did you like Vancouver? I want a full report! And I’m so glad you tried crave and loved it. I think it’s time for me to go back again soon.
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
oooh, I could totally do this! I just went to a lavender festival and have some on hand… Sounds like such a refreshing drink! 🙂
Just stumbled across your blog and wanted to say, “hello!” I love your blog header – it’s way creative – and I can’t wait to try some of the salad recipes in your previous post. Cheers!
vicki, a lavender festival sounds awesome! i’ll have to read up on your adventures!
awww shucks, monika! thank you 🙂
Just wanted to let you know that I have tagged you for a meme… visit my blog to get the details!
What a fancy lemonade! 🙂
This would be so refreshing. I love summer too. Nothing quite like it!
I love lavender lemonade and would never have thought of adding mint to it. Cool combination!
Have been wanting to try lavender in cooking – may give this a go. Saw lavender tea at the store, but this looks even better.
Drinking flowers is tha bomb! Are there elderflowers in Vancouver? If so, you must try this next year! http://cphfoodfollies.blogspot.com/2010/07/elderflower-cordial.html