Last week sitting on my balcony hi in the sky I missed my garden, especially the lavender section. Memories of my favorite lavender lemonade filled my mind and eventually a craving started. Sans garden I went to my favorite market and bought some fresh lavender. French Lavender Lemonade is a specialty cocktail perfected by the French qui habit ou Aix-en-Provence (that’s where I’ve had the best). It’s perfect for those few precious summer days.

How to make:
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup lavender leaves, chopped
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup lemon juice
• Vodka as-you-like-it
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices for garnish

Preparation:
First, heat the first measures of water and sugar to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Add lavender and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Strain out the lavender. In a pitcher, add lavender infusion to second measure of water and lemon juice. Stir and add more sugar to taste, add orange slices. Chill and serve lemonade over ice, in an ice chilled glass add Vodka as you like it.
Serves 8-12