Beat the Heat

“Hot. So very hot.”  These words, or some variation of them, echo through my head at least a dozen times a day now.  Interspersed among them are a sundry of other fleeting thoughts, most prevalent among them being, “is it lunchtime yet?”   You see, laboring as I do outside so much of the day in my horticulture work, I tend to quickly get a little parched and hungry.  Concocting refreshing icy beverages has become a priority. 

This desperation for refreshment brings us to a second lavender recipe in a row (dare I tell you there’s soon to be a third?  I can’t help myself).  Lavender Lemon Soda is the ideal remedy for a sweaty brow.  It is downright cleansing with its effervescent flavors. I have been intrigued by herbal sodas since last summer when I had one at a local café, but I surprised even myself with how tasty this particular combination turned out to be. 

Herbal sodas are quite simple actually.  Almost any herb can be used to make an infused simple syrup that then goes on to flavor some form of bubbly (seltzer, tonic water, ginger ale, and so forth).   I’m anticipating coming up with several other combinations using the herbs in my tea garden.  What do you think would make a good herbal soda combination?  How does borage, which has a cucumber-like flavor, and grapefruit mint sound?  Chamomile and lemon balm?  And let’s not forget the option to add some spirits to the mix with tasty tipples like vanilla vodka and anise hyssop.

Bring on the heat!  I’ve got a great way to chill! 
(oh, and did I mention it’s sugar free?)

Lavender Lemon Soda
A Straight from the Farm Original

1 C. water
1 C. Splenda (or sugar)
2 T. fresh lavender florets
1 C. fresh squeezed lemon juice
Seltzer water
Ice

In a small saucepan, combine water, Splenda, and lavender.  Bring to a simmer over gentle heat.  Remove from stove and let steep for 5-10 minutes.  Strain and chill until ready to use. 

To make the soda, combine a ¼ cup of lavender syrup with a ¼ cup lemon juice over ice in a pint glass.  Fill the glass with seltzer water and serve immediately. 

(serves 4)