Spiked Lavender Lemonade

The next cocktail on the Thirsty Thursday menu is this Spike Lavender Lemonade! My history with lemonade all started one summer a long time ago. My best friend and I, I call her Ray, started a lemonade stand one summer. We set up in her front yard on a card board table and dished out cups all day long. And we had an absolute blast! We even had someone from our local newspaper stop for a cup and feature us in an article. We thought we were famous! It'll always be one of my fondest memories of growing up. So with that being said, this cocktail is an ode to my childhood! With extra punches of flavor added to one of my favorite childhood drinks. Are you a lavender fan? I have always enjoyed its floral tones. Especially in cocktails and in lattes! The calming lavender simple syrup combined with tart lemons & a splash of vodka make this a delicious concoction. It's a refreshing and fragrant cocktail that will be sure to keep you cool all summer long. It's slightly sweet but also tart, making it the perfect lite drink to serve at all your favorite brunch and cocktail parties this summer. Plus, it's elegant and your guests are sure to be impressed! You can make your own lavender simple syrup like I opted to here, using monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar to make it slightly healthier or you can opt to buy it remade. Your choice! Either way, this one is sure to be delicious. Drink up! P.S. If you are forgoing alcohol at the moment, feel free to omit the vodka and simply enjoy this recipe as a mocktail. It will still be just as refreshing! :)

---

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:

• 2 shots vodka

• 1/2 cup lemon juice (2-3 lemons, squeezed, extra cut into wheels for garnish)

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/3 cup lavender simple syrup

  • 1 cup monk fruit sweetener (find in store near artificial sweeteners)

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/4 cup dried culinary lavender (look for in the tea section)

• Sprigs of dried or fresh lavendar, for garnish

• Ice

Directions:

1. Make your simple syrup if you didn’t buy it! Dissolve 1 cup water with 1 cup monk fruit sweetener (or regular sugar if desired). Add lavender. Bring to a boil to dissolve. Reduce to low and simmer for 10 mins. Remove from heat and let steep 10-20 more min. Strain through a mesh sieve.

2. Combine vodka, lemon juice, water, and simple syrup in a shaker. Shake well.

3. Fill two short cocktail glasses with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a lavender sprig. Pour the lemonade over ice & enjoy! :)

---

I hope you enjoy this refreshing cocktail to keep you cool this summer! Serve it up by the pool and let it transport you to the spa. :) Until next time, Cheers!

Magen Check