Lavender Lemonade

Hidcote lavender turns lemonade rosy pink. Other varieties turn it a paler color. Avoid piney-smelling lavenders, such as spike. For that extra touch, garnish lemonade with fresh lavender sprigs. Makes: 6 cups

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup (a generous handful) fresh or 1 tablespoon dried lavender blooms stripped from stems
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
• Ice cubes
• Lavender sprigs for garnish

1. Combine sugar with 2 1/2 cups water in a medium pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Add the lavender blooms to the sugar water, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand at least 20 minutes (and up to several hours).
3. Strain mixture and discard lavender. Pour infusion into a glass pitcher. Add lemon juice and another 21/2 cups water. Stir well and watch lemonade change color.
4. Pour into tall glasses half-filled with ice or refrigerate until ready to use.