Homemade Blueberry Lavender Sparkling Lemonade - Refined Sugar Free!

7/22/2020

Most people trapped inside during coronavirus has probably experienced the itch, or the need to take a break. My need wasn't desperate, but desired to get outside and finally breathe. We took a brief, socially-distanced trip to the Olympic peninsula to visit the lavender and U-Pick fruit farms.

In my "How to Spend a Weekend in Sequim, Washington," I share all the joys and beauty of Sequim, Washington, which is known as Lavender country in the USA. It felt like walking through Provence, France.

“Forget who you are, your inner life, and go with a friend to pick wild blueberries in the forest.”
― Marty Rubin

Foraging in nature, or on a farm ignites the connection or unity between the hand, head and heart. Its the time when we connect to Mother Earth and let our spirit be free like a wild flower.

Picking a bundle of lavender was one of the most enjoyable moments in life. It was simple yet sweet at the same time. We did additional U-Picking last weekend where we were able to cut wildflowers and the deep color of the pinks looked similar to the lemonade. When making the syrup, it creates a deep purple, but when mixing it with yellow lemon juice, it creates a deep but bright pink color.

Farm-picked blueberries were the best berries I had all year. It reminded me of picking the fruit and vegetables from the garden with my mother when I was a kid. I remember that the tomatoes and strawberries off the vine tasted nothing like store-bought berries.

I thank my parents for training my palate at a young age. With farm fresh berries and culinary lavender, I wanted to make a refreshing beverage that sparkled with love and health without refined sugar. From me to you, I wish you good health the rest of this summer.

“Meanwhile, spring came, and with it the outpourings of Nature. The hills were soon splashed with wild flowers; the grass became an altogether new and richer shade of green; and the air became scented with fresh and surprising smells -- of jasmine, honeysuckle, and lavender.”
― Dalai Lama XIV, Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama

Homemade Blueberry Lavender Sparkling Lemonade - Refined Sugar Free!
Total Time; 20 minutes
Makes 2 Cups, 16 oz.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup blueberries
2 heaping tsp culinary lavender
2-3 tbsp agave nectar
1 large lemon, juiced
2 cups Sparkling Water

Directions:
In a saucepan, bring the 1/2 cup of water to a simmer and then add the blueberries and lavender. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Here you can pop the berries with a spoon.

Once cooked, remove from heat and mix in agave nectar. Stir until combined. This has made the blueberry lavender syrup.

(Two tablespoons will probably be tangier, three tablespoons will be sweeter).

Above a pitcher, pour the syrup ingredients through a fine mesh strainer or a cheese cloth. Squeeze or use the back of the spoon to press the liquid through the strainer. Discard the food scraps.

Next, add the lemon juice and 2 cups of sparkling water into the pitcher. Mix and chill in the refrigerator if needed. Pour into two 8 ounce glasses. If desired, use fresh lavender as the stir stick.

Let's Connect! Check out my other lemonade + spritzer recipes below!