Memorial Day Wellness: Homemade Lavender Lemonade & Spa Water

In any event, for those of you not wrapped in blankets, its time to pull out the BBQ and picnic supplies! Instead of hitting the soda aisle, what about making your own fresh-from-the-garden libations! They're easy to make, refreshing (especially in the summer), delicious, and a great alternative to sugary drinks!

Herbal-infused spa water is one of our favorites, like a combination of cucumber, lemon, and organic mint (orange and organic strawberries taste great, too). (Look for our top ten spa water recipes in an upcoming blog!)

But if you like more flavor, herbal teas and lemonade blends are easy and fun to make. A firm favorite at the American College's annual Lavender Open House on our campus in Portland, Oregon, is our lavender-infused water and lavender lemonade. Everyone loves them!

Plus, lavender-infused drinks are a great complement to lavender shortbread cookies (or any other lavender treat). Yum!

Be sure to use culinary lavender Lavandula angustifolia, also called true lavender or English Lavender. Some varieties, such as Lavandin Lavandula intermedia contain camphor oil better used for non-culinary purposes. Other varieties, including Spanich lavender or Lavandula stoechas are not suitable for culinary uses.

We thought you might enjoy the recipes from the ACHS Lavender Open House to try at your next picnic, party, or just because you're in the mood for a healthy, delicious drink. Thanks to ACHS Shipping Manager, Kelly Johnson, for putting these recipes together!

Lavender Lemonade for 6 quart beverage dispenser (fills dispenser approximately 3/4 full)

• 1 12 oz container frozen lemonade (We used organic Cascadian Lemonade Concentrate)
• 1/2 cup/4 oz Lavandula angustifolia (commonly called English Lavender*)

We used organic, dried lavender flowers (double quantity if using fresh herbs). Add lavender to 6 cups hot water. Cover and let steep for 5-8 minutes. Strain brewed lavender water and add to lemonade. Combine with plenty of ice and filtered water. For garnish, combine with fresh-picked lavender sprigs, lemon wheels, and a dash of sugar if you like it a little sweeter and a little less tart!

Herbal Infused Water - Lavender Open House Recipe

Combine into 6 cup teapot and steep together for 5-8 minutes

• 1 tsp organic basil
• 1 tsp organic lemon balm
• 1/2 cup/4 oz  Lavandula angustifolia* (we use organic, dried lavender flowers )

Add filtered water, ice, and infused herbs into your beverage container. Be creative with your garnishes. We added cucumber wedges, lavender sprigs. and frozen blueberries. Yummm!

Note: This information has not been reviewed by the FDA. This information has been provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health routine.

 

>>What are your favorite fresh-from-the-garden summer drinks? We'd love to share recipes. Just click "comment" to post. (Comments are moderated and only open for 60 days from the date of this blog to save us all from the spam!)