LAVENDER LEMON SODA

Makes 4 Servings

Fizzy, sweet, cold and fresh, soda tastes great on a hot summer afternoon.  Hidcote lavender is a great choice for this drink because of its floral essence.  Blue Velvet, Provence or Munstead varieties also work well.

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lavender flowers
1 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
25.3 fluid ounces sparkling mineral water
Ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

Combine water, sugar and lavender in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over gentle heat.

Remove pan from stove and let mixture steep for 5 to 10 minutes.  Strain out flowers and chill the syrup until you are ready to use it.

Combine lavender syrup with lemon juice and pour 1/2 cup of this liquid into an ice-filled glass.  Fill the glass with sparkling mineral water and stir.  Serve immediately.

Recipe by Kathy Gehrt, author of 'Discover Cooking with Lavender'