Spiked Lavender Lemonade

It's been a while since I posted a drink recipe.

Allow me to fix that.

This drink is the perfect concoction for a summer winding down. It's the fresh tart juiciness of just-squeezed lemonade and the soothing herbal goodness of lavender. The sourness of the lemon juice keeps the floral taste of the lavender well in check so that it doesn't taste like you're drinking perfume. [I once had lavender ice cream that tasted like frozen soap. This is NOT like that at all, it's very balanced.]

Make sure that you use food grade lavender from the grocery store, not dried lavender from a craft store meant for potpourri. Most major grocery store chains should carry it in the spice section. If you can't find it you can definitely try using fresh lavender, though you might not need as much and it might have a 'greener' flavor.

It's been nice, summer. See ya next year.

Spiked Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 oz ice cold vodka

1 oz lavender simple syrup [recipe follows]

1 oz cold water

juice of 1 lemon [about 1 oz]

Directions:
1. Mix everything together in a glass. Add ice cubes until glass is full. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.

Lavender Simple Syrup

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp dried lavender buds

Directions:
1. Mix together sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to just simmering over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, put lavender in a coffee filter and tie closed with string.
3. Remove saucepan from heat. Add lavender sachet, making sure it is fully submerged. Steep for 15 minutes.
4. Remove lavender bag.