When most people think of lavender, they picture fields in southern France and bars of old-fashioned soap, but I want you to imagine farms in Arizona and delicious lemonade. Luckily for us, our region is host to ideal growing conditions for the magical aromatic. 

Lavender simple syrup is so easy to prepare that it practically makes itself. If you have 15 minutes, a simmering pot, lavender, water, and sugar, you can create a potion that elevates the most mundane of beverages. 

Don’t have any lavender? Make the trip to Heber and spend some time at Windy Hills Lavender Farm. For your convenience, you can even support them from home by shopping on their website at WHLAV.com. 

INGREDIENTS: 

6 tbsp. of food-grade lavender 

1 1⁄2 cups of white sugar
1 1⁄2 cups of water 

HOW TO PREPARE:
1. Rinse and strain the lavender to ensure that it is clean and free of debris.
2. Pour the sugar and water into a medium saucepan or simmering pot and add the cleaned lavender to the top.
3. At medium-low heat, bring the pot to a simmer, stirring to avoid sticking while promoting even distribution of the ingredients. NOTE: Be sure not to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This will cause the water to dissolve too quickly and may lead to a burnt, sugary mess with wasted lavender and a difficult pot to clean.
4. Do this for 15 minutes while enjoying the aromatics and color penetration.
5. Strain the completed syrup into a bottle or jar that has been recently cleaned and is preferably at an elevated temperature to avoid breaking.
6. Keep the syrup for no more than 2 weeks in the refrigerator, adding liberally to your desired creations.
TIP: Clean your pot quickly with hot soap and water to avoid a sticky situation later. 

APPLICATIONS: 

Ice Cubes - Freeze the syrup in your choice of ice cube molds and serve in cold beverages to slowly infuse the drink with flavor and sweetness. Consider slightly diluting the syrup with a bit more water and adding a few leftover lavender buds for panache. 

Lemonade - Lemon and lavender are culinary soulmates. Instead of just using regular old simple syrup, use our concoction to make the best lemonade you’ve ever tasted. 

Teas - Add the syrup in place of your normal sweetener to your preferred tea. The bright flavors will make your iced tea more refreshing. In the evening, use a splash in a cup of hot chamomile for needed serenity.

Coffee - Obviously the syrup can be used in coffee just as it is used in any other beverage. Where the lavender really shines is when it is accompanied by milk or a milk substitute. Lavender cappuccinos, lattes, and steamers are becoming wildly popular. My personal favorite is to add this elixir to iced coffee with coconut milk. 

Whipped Cream - Add a tablespoon or two of the syrup to 11⁄2 cups of heavy whipping cream and beat vigorously in a cold bowl with a whisk. This super-easy recipe can be added to fresh berries (kick it up a notch with mint sprigs), cakes (lemon poppy seed bundt would be perfect!), pies, ice cream/sherbet, or just lick it directly off the spoon (we won’t judge you).