Though I’m born and raised as a city girl, my roots trace back to the deep south and (in my Phaedra Parks’ voice) everybody knows it’s impolite to not have a cold glass of homemade lemonade or sweet tea at-the-ready for guests in the hot summer months.
Though southern belle at heart, there’s no better joy than discovering a remix on an “oldie but goodie” and this home-brewed Lavender Infused Lemonade with Honey hits the spot with a distinctive, refreshing taste and plenty of Vitamin C. Not to mention, it’s vegetarian, paleo safe, and gluten free – if you’re into those kind of things!
Your INGREDIENTS include:
- 1 cup raw honey (local if you can get it)
- 5 cups purified water
- 1 Tbsp. dried, organic culinary lavender (or 1/4 cup fresh lavender blossoms, crushed)
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed, organic lemon juice, strained
- Ice cubes
- Lavender sprigs, for garnish
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients:
- Bring 2 1/2 cups purified water to boil in a medium pan
- Remove from heat and add in honey, stirring to dissolve
- Add the lavender to the honey water, cover the pan, and let steep (at least 20 minutes or up to several hours) to taste.
You can put the lavender into a tea infuser or reusable tea bag for easier clean up. Otherwise,
- Strain mixture and either compost or discard the remaining lavender
- Pour infusion into a glass pitcher
- Add lemon juice and approximately another 2 1/2 cups of cold water, to taste.
- Stir well.
- Refrigerate until ready to use, or pour into tall glasses half-filled with ice, then garnish with lavender sprigs.
Okay, so listen closely! Use of lavender essential oil in this recipe is NOT recommended.
Seriously!
Consuming lavender oil can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, as well as contribute to hormone imbalances in men and boys. Signs of lavender oil toxicity include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, burning pain in the throat, difficulty breathing and skin rash.
If you suspect you have an allergy to lavender or decide to use essential oil – although we suggested against it – and start to exhibit any of these signs, please call Poison Control immediately!
Otherwise, step 8 is to simply, ENJOY!
Cheers to the summer! Happy planning!
I was recently asked a question that I think a lot of people may have had confusion over. Recall, if you will, an invitation that you’ve received for a wedding or other formal event. Chances are it opened with the line “request the honor of your presence” or “request the pleasure of your company” as part of the wording. Believe it or not these phrases actually have etiquette guidelines on when they can each be used and are not entirely interchangeable.
November marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday season and that can only mean colder weather, overcrowded malls, and parties. Lots and lots of parties! For me, I prefer the intimacy and warmth of private dinner parties to celebrate the chilly winter season with family and friends. And the only thing better than being a guest at one is being the apron-donned hostess – experimenting with my version of gourmet dishes and whimsical holiday decor.
I tried my hand at chocolate covered strawberries a few weeks ago after deciding to include them as one of many surprises awaiting my newly married couple upon their return to their bridal suite. Now, if you know me then you know that I am not a gourmet chef but every once in a while I get the urge to whip up something new. Sometimes, it works out perfectly…other times, notsomuch. Luckily, this time my curiosity landed on something so easy that I’m actually a little frustrated that I’ve been paying bakery prices all of these years. See for yourself…
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