Basil Lavender Lemonade Spritzer

They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I have the perfect recipe for those unwelcome gifts. This one I conjured up this morning, will make anyone feel better. Its beauty alone will make you smile, no?!

It’s hot, humid, sticky, and pouring as if we were living in California in bad need of rain. That’s DC for you. Emotionally distressed, never knowing which way to go. As soon as I decided to step outside to photograph this lemonade, the skies opened up. I hurried in and sipped on my new favorite lemonade recipe it the gray skies cleared. I knew they would. And sure enough. An hour later, the sun burst out with rays of happiness, much of which I really needed to soak in.

Only the mosquitoes were out in full form. We have a lovely pond in the backyard and it attracts those itty bugaboos. But I really wanted to share this with you today. And I really need to quench my spirit with some happy juice.

Because this week has really thrown lemons my way.  All kinds of lemons. But instead of sulking in rotten moods, I took the perfectly coined directive and went for the most.

We grow plenty of basil in our backyard, which I inject in lots of wonderful, last-minute dishes… and drinks. It’s probably my favorite thing to pluck. And I finally begged my father to plant some lavender. Now we’re talking. It’s my absolute favorite herb. It’s rich but soft. Aromatic but not overpowering. And the yielding taste is meekly sophisticated. Between all the herbs in the garden, the bounty is plentiful to make any gloomy day a beautiful one.

So with those two strong yet beautiful notes, this lemonade turned to be refrescante for the continued heat we’re loving (heat means lots of beach trips planned and great tanning opportunities). It’s light but very seductive, perfectly sweetened with a lavender simple syrup I brewed earlier this week.

A touch of club soda to make it fizz a bit, and it was a go!

As I sipped after I finished shooting, I remembered that even when life does throw you lemons and you don’t have enough energy to stir up some lemonade, there’s always a bright side.

And mine is seeded in knowing that sour patches as with anything bad, eventually dies out. That’s the law of life. It decomposes, evaporates, and simply exists no longer.

So I worry not. I sit back, watch it wither away and enjoy the newness that comes from it.

Here, have some lemonade this weekend!  Have an unplanned tryst with friends. It’s the perfect drink to sip after a long day of grooming the yard or running after the kids. Or in my case this weekend, which will be kayaking a few miles.

Think happy thoughts. Nestle yourself in the spirit of love and a great book! Share some unsolicited time and affection with someone — perhaps a stranger — and if you dare, take your neighbor or a friend in need,  a pitcher of sweet lemonade!

When life gives you lemons, make this lemonade.

 (via my Instagram)

Eat well, love unapologetically, pray with true intention, and take care of yourself. B-

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Eat well, love unapologetically, pray with true intention, and take care of yourself.

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Enjoy

HAND SQUEEZED BASIL LAVENDER LEMONADE

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of water
• 2 cups water for simple syrup
• 20 lemons
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup of fresh lavender
• 6 stems fresh basil
• 6-8 stems of fresh lavender for garnish

Method:

Make simple syrup. Bring water to boil. Add sugar and 1 cup lavender. Reduce heat until all sugar is melted and blended. Let simmer for 30 minted until lavender flavor has set. In large mixing bowl, add water, fresh squeezed lemons and simply syrup. Add basil leaves. Serve in individual cups over ice. Garnish each with lavender and basil leaves or flower buds.

* Substitue 1/4 of water for club soda to make a spritzer.