Mama's Purple Lemonade

Cool Summer beverages are an amazing way to beat the heat. There is nothing better than a glass of lemonade on a hot day. Well, maybe there is something: Lavender Lemonade. We began to first make this fab drink last summer. I think now it has become an expectation. When the girls ask for Mama's Purple lemonade I know just what they are seeking.

To begin you need to make the beautiful purple syrup that makes this lemonade the hit of your fridge. In a small saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat add 3 Tablespoons of dried culinary lavender to the syrup and allow to steep 15 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds from the syrup. Discard used buds. Place the hot syrup in an airtight container and allow to chill in the fridge for an hour or two. I strain the syrup into a canning jar. The pint sized jar is the perfect size to hold the syrup and that way you can admire that beautiful color. Once the syrup is nice and cold you can make some of this fantastic lemonade.

Lavender Lemonade

Zest from one lemon
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 5 lemons, or 3 very large lemons)
1 cup lavender syrup
4 cups water

Find a beautiful pitcher. I suggest glass or some other clear container so that you can show off this lovely lemonade. Zest your lemon over the pitcher allowing the zest to sprinkle inside. Add your lemon juice and lavender syrup. Give the mixture a stir and then add your water. See the beautiful color! This is such a show stopper that it is the perfect pot-luck item. Not only will people be intrigued by the unusual color, many will think it's just a pink lemonade. Imagine their surprise as they try this old fashioned favorite. It will be quite a hit. Of course this is speculation, because once you make your own, you may become quite fond of this lemonade. And, you know, once you become fond of things somehow there just doesn't seem to be much leftover for others.

I find that my lemonade tastes even better when put into a pretty glass. Notice that color, that is summer right there in your glass ladies. Pull out your fans, kick up your skirts, let those ankles show just a bit and enjoy a glass of lemonade under the shade of a tree.