SUMMER CONCOCTIONS (LAVENDER LEMONADE )

By Srinivas Reddy – Director, Food & Beverages, Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Goa

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 Tbsp dried lavender 
• 2 cups lemon juice
• Lemon slices and lavender petals for garnish

METHOD:

• Over medium heat, combine two cups of water and sugar, bringing to a boil until sugar is dissolved.
• Turn off of the heat and stir in honey and lavender.
• Allow mixture to steep for 2 hours (less if you do not want a strong lavender taste).
• Strain the liquid, pressing the lavender down to make sure you  get all of those juices into your mixture.
• In a large pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, lavender mixture and water.
• Serve over ice.