lavender simple syrup

several weeks ago, i had my first taste of a lavender iced latte... and my life has now been forever changed.  i knew the minute i took my first sip, that i would need to figure out a way to make these at home.  lucky for me, i still have pounds of culinary lavender in my pantry leftover from our wedding (in hindsight a birdseed toss may have been a better idea)!

this lavender simple syrup is super easy to make, and makes the most delicious lavender iced lattes (full recipe for that coming soon!!).  it's equally as delicious drizzled over desserts or pancakes, you can mix it in with a glass of lemonade, or you can add it into a cocktail for a yummy twist (lavender french 75, anyone)?  you can even bottle it up and give it to friends as a last-minute homemade christmas gift!

ingredients:

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp culinary lavender

bring the 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat.  add the sugar.

add the lavender and reduce heat to a simmer.

simmer for five minutes and continue to stir.

allow the mixture to cool.  strain out the lavender.

pour into pretty bottle.

voilà!

be sure to comment below with your ideas for different recipes using lavender simple syrup!

pineapple kiwi mojitos

the end of summer is fast approaching, so let's soak up the rest of this warm weather while we can!  and... what better way to cool off than with the world's most refreshing beverage?  a mojito!  i had my first mojito many years ago while sitting outside of a cafe on south beach (i know, i'm a walking cliché).  i honestly wasn't too sure if i liked it.  i remember thinking the mint was overpowering, sorta like drinking mouthwash.  well, luckily my taste buds have evolved over the years, and this cocktail has actually become one of my favorites!  it's so versatile, because you can mix it up by adding your favorite fruits and even herbs!  i've done a bit of experimenting with different recipes this summer, but here's my favorite one so far... the pineapple kiwi mojito!  it takes a bit of prep, but trust me, it's worth it!

first, is a quick how-to for the mint-infused simple syrup, followed by the recipe for the mojito (i didn't give exact measurements for the mojitos, because it really varies to your liking):

chop a small bunch of fresh mint leaves (about 1/2 cup) while bringing 1 cup of water to a boil on the stove-top.

reduce heat to low, and add 3/4 to 1 cup sugar to the boiling water.

toss in the mint leaves.

allow to simmer for about 3-5 minutes.  the sugar should be dissolved.

allow the mixture to cool for about five minutes.  pour through a strainer into an airtight container.


pineapple kiwi mojitos

ingredients:

mint-infused simple syrup
sugarcane (peeled and chopped into swizzle sticks)
fresh pineapple chunks
chopped kiwis
fresh mint
 silver rum
club soda
lime wedges

the amount of prepped ingredients i used for one glass (yes, that's two doubles of rum... one drink will get you feelin' right).

toss in a small handful of kiwi, pineapple, and mint.

add in the rum (like i said, i used two doubles).  muddle your fruit and rum together (i used this muddler from world market).  pour in just a splash of simple syrup (don't overdo it, this stuff is really sweet).

add a handful of ice cubes, and top off with the club soda and some fresh-squeezed lime juice.

throw the squeezed limes in too, and stir with your sugarcane swizzler*.
enjoy!

*do not operate heavy machinery after drinking a pineapple kiwi mojito :)