A summer gathering is all about simplicity and elegance and this sparkling lavender lemonade embodies just that.
This lemonade is unlike any you have had before because it does not call for refined sugar to sweeten. Instead I’ve utilized a special ingredient to amp up both the nutrition and flavor.
The secret ingredient? Coconut water. I always recommend this to athletes as a more natural source of potassium and electrolytes than say, Gatorade. It contains water, simple carbohydrates (sugar) and electrolytes minus the artificial flavoring and refined sugars found in many conventional sports drinks.
Coconut-based products have exploded on the market and I am certainly not complaining. From coconut milk, yogurt, flour to oils. Coconut water is the fluid found in the cavity of the coconut once cracked open. It contains no fat and most of its energy content is attributed to the natural sugars.
If I learned anything about working with lavender these past weeks it is that a little goes a long way. Here I’ve used it as an elegant garnish and frozen into ice cubes to impart just enough of its aromatic taste.
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Cheers to summer!
Nutrition:
Lemons: Vitamin C is a standout in this citrus fruit, a powerful antioxidant with the ability to combat free radical damage and enhance iron absorption in the body. It’s immunity-boosting properties and suggested ability to shorten the duration of a cold, should also be duly noted.
Coconut water: Best known for its electrolyte and potassium content, coconut water is an excellent post work-out recovery drink. In this recipe it acts as a more nutritious sweetener source compared to its refined sugar counterpart.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, chilled
- 4 cups coconut water, chilled
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- A small handful of fresh lavender flowers, rinsed and dried
- Lavender sprigs and lemon slices for garnish
- Add dried lavender flowers to an ice cube tray, fill with water and freeze overnight.
- In a medium pitcher mix your lemon juice, coconut water and sparkling water.
- Add your lavender ice cubes to two small glasses and fill with your lemonade mixture.
- Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and sprig of lavender.
