You have probably tried Lavender lemonade, maybe an iced Lavender latte or even a Lavender-infused cocktail.  As I’m sitting here on a muggy 85 ° day in the Pacific Northwest, any of those chilled options sound delish!  However, I need to beat the heat and I am not up for a lot of effort.  Instead, I will reach for the Lavender/Stevia infused ice cubes in the freezer, to add to either some Santa Cruz Lemonade, Trader Joe’s cold brew or maybe use the Lavender ice cubes to make a refreshing Margarita.  Lavender-flavored ice cubes are a must have for these sweltering summer days and so easy to make in advance.  When you are hot and tired, mixing up a cool Lavender-infused drink is a breeze.  Just make sure you use Culinary Lavender, so your delicious drinks don’t taste too much like perfume.  (If you need Culinary Lavender, we've got you coverred:  https://lavenderluvies.com/inc/sdetail/6254/6256 )  The Stevia leaf isn’t a deal breaker, but I like to sweeten the Lavender ice cubes just a touch.  Adding Lavender/Stevia infused ice cubes to a cold-brew latte is my ultimate go-to on a sunny summer afternoon.  I hope you enjoy adding these frozen Lavender treats to your favorite summertime  beverage! 

Lavender Infused Ice Cubes

Pour 3 cups of boiling water over 3 teaspoons of dried Culinary Lavender (or 1 cup Fresh Lavender) and 1 large Stevia leaf.

Let steep for 5 minutes. 

Strain through fine sieve, pour into ice cube molds and freeze.

Here are a few more Favorite Lavender Recipes to Enjoy!

 

Herbs de Provence Balls

   

    1 cup Butter – room temperature

    2 cups Powdered Sugar

    2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

    2 cups All-Purpose Flour

   ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder

    1 cup Chopped Pecans

    1 Tablespoon Herbs de Provence or Culinary Lavender

Cream together butter, ½ cup sugar and vanilla.

Sift flour and baking powder into mixture.

Stir in pecans and Herbs de Provence.

Shape into 1-inch balls and bake in 300° oven

until golden brown, about 15 minutes. 

Roll slightly warm cookies in remaining powdered sugar.

 

Lavender Sugar Cookies

     

    1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

    ¾ cup sugar

    ¼ teaspoon baking powder

    ¾ cup softened butter

    1 egg

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    ½ teaspoon Lavender Flowers

Whisk flour, sugar, and baking powder together.

Stir in softened butter and egg until smooth.

Add vanilla extract and Lavender Flowers.

Bake in 350 ° preheated oven until edges turn light golden brown, 10-15 minutes.

 

Lavender Lemonade

               

    1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers

    OR 1 handful fresh lavender flowers

    1 cup sugar

    2 cups boiling water for infusion

    1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

    2+ cups cold water and Ice 

 

Pour sugar over Lavender Flowers and gently rub

sugar into Lavender.

Pour 2 cups boiling water over Lavender sugar.

Cover and infuse for 30 minutes to several hours.

Strain infusion and stir in lemon juice.

Add cold water and ice (or Lavender-infused ice cubes!)

 ~Adjust sweetness as needed~