Lavender lemonade!!!

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Looks refreshing, right? It IS! 

Go pull out that juicer you got as a wedding gift... That you never use... And put it to work! 

Oh and while you're in the garden department buying a flats of petunias, pick up one of these. 

You'll be glad you did. 

To make this delicious beverage, here is what you'll need (yields 5, 1 cup servings):

-4 cups of water, divided 

-1/4 cup chopped, fresh lavender leaves

-2/3 cup sugar

-1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

-lavender stems (for garnish)

-Strip leaves off of lavender stems and set stems aside. (you'll need those for garnish later).

-Coarsely chop lavender leaves

-Bring one cup of water to boil in a small sauce pan.

-Combine boiling water and 1/4 cup of lavender leaves.

-Remove from heat and cover. Steep for 30 minutes.

-While the lavender mixture is steeping, Peel the lemons in preparation for juicing. 

-Juice enough lemons to yield 1 cup fresh lemon juice. (about 6 lemons)

-In a medium sauce pan combine 3 cups water and 2/3 cup sugar.

-Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. 

-Remove sugar water mixture from heat and set aside. 

-When lavender mixture is finished steeping, strain through a fine sieve into sauce pan with sugar water mixture.

-Combine lavender syrup and lemon juice in a pitcher. 

-Cover and chill.

-Serve over ice. 

-Garnish with lavender stem.

You're welcome.