All Things Lavender

Earlier this year, I visited the most beautiful place I've ever seen. While New Zealand is home to more picturesque views than anywhere else I've been, the Wanaka Lavender Farms may take the cake! We walked through fields of gorgeous lavender as far as the eye could see. With 20 acres of budding lavender blossoms, the fields had the most potent scent in the air. Lavender has always been one of my favorite scents and this took my love to the next level.

The gift shop on sight sells lavender in any form you could want - balms and oils, ice cream and candies, whatever you can imagine. The lavender lover in me wanted to bring it all, but I settled for some essentials oils and a tea towel as souvenirs.

As soon as I got back I knew I wanted to find ways to incorporate the smell and taste of lavender into some drinks! See below for three difference recipes with lavender.

Start with by making a simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water and about a tablespoon of fresh or dried lavender per serving. I made a batch with 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and 1 tbsp of dried lavender. On the stove-top, simmer the ingredients until the sugar dissolves and remove from heat. After the liquid cools, strain into a container for storage.

You'll use the simple syrup in all three of the recipes below. For the Lavender Latte you'll need coffee/espresso, whole milk or milk of choice, and the simple syrup. I recently got a new Keurig that makes lattes and cappuccinos and it is AWESOME! If you have a regular Keurig, brew on the smallest cup size and press "strong". Steam 1/2 cup of milk and add 1-2 tbsp of simple syrup to coffee, depending on preferred sweetness. Pour the froth over the coffee, top with dried lavender and enjoy!

For a midday refresher, make a pitcher of Lavender Lemonade. You can do this with only three ingredients - lemons, water and simple syrup. Mix together 3/4 cup of lemon juice, 3-4 cups of water and 1/2 cup of simple syrup. Lemonade is a super simple and delicious drink to enjoy on a hot summer's day! I prefer more tangy and tart over sweet lemonade so I go with less water and more lemon juice, but add more water and sugar to your taste. Also delicious with vodka if you want to make this a cocktail!

Lastly, the best part - Lavender French 75 Cocktails! You'll use the same simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and sparkling wine. In a champagne flute or coup glass pour in 2 oz of lemon juice, 2 oz of gin and top with your favorite sparking wine, mine is obviously prosecco! I purchased this gin in Australia and its vibrant lavender color makes the cocktail a beautiful color, but any kind of gin will do! Enjoy cautiously since it's quiet strong - cheers!