My adventure last week to Lavender Hill Farm still has me craving more delicious lavender magic. After talking with my friend Michelle, I think I’ve got a treat for you! We were conversing about what all we could make with the lavender from our own gardens and after she mentioned lavender simple syrup, I couldn’t get it out of my head! So I whipped up an iced tea bevvie that is so tasty on these hot Summer days. It starts with lavender simple syrup…
We are currently growing Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ lavender. She is an award winning English variety hardy to USDA zone 5 with strong floral aromatics.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is SO quick and easy. If you haven’t made your own yet, here’s a quick 1-2-3…
Mix equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan. Drop in some sprigs of fresh cut lavender and bring to a simmer. Stir gently until sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and put a lid on it. You want to capture all of those volatile oils trying to escape. After 20-30 minutes, remove the lid and cool. Then taste it! Do you like how strong the lavender is? If it’s not strong enough, add a few more sprigs, put your saucepan back on low heat and give it a little more time. Whatever you do, don’t boil it or let it go too long. Lavender has some very strong anti-inflammatory compounds that will get bitter if you get too carried away.
Ice Lavender London Fog
Okay, lets make this drink! You’ll need:
- Earl Grey Tea, brewed hot and then cooled
- Lady Grey is also delicious! I like a strong steep on this one.
- Lavender Simple Syrup
- Milk of Choice (I did heavy cream so I could whip it into a mad frothy mess of deliciousness!)
- Garnish of Choice (Lavender, Lemon, Wild Bergamot flowers…all good!)
Fill a fancy glass (obviously) with ice. Pour in the cooled tea to about 3/4 full. Splash in a bit of lavender simple syrup. Top with milk of choice and add your desired garnish. Whaa-laa! Enjoy!
Additional Considerations
So the drink is super easy, but my mind is already playing with more! Want to take it up a notch? Try adding some tincture drops to level up the plant power. Whisk in some adaptogenic mushrooms…I bet they melt into this beautifully. Infuse the milk with more flavor…orange, lemon, bergamot flowers, jasmine flowers or rose petals! Line the rim of your glass with another aromatic and/or culinary treat. An herbal infused sugar could be really good. You could definitely booze it up for a perfect night cap, too! So many possibilities!
I hope you’ll give it a try! I’d love to know what you think!
Cheers!
