Lavender simple syrup

This summer, Eric and I have been experimenting with some mixology. It's so pleasant to sit out in our backyard on a warm summer day with a refreshing and interesting drink in hand.

I've had some culinary lavender for a couple months, and I was recently inspired to use it to make a special simple syrup to try in drinks. It's really really simple (sorry about the pun) and fun to experiment.

For the simple syrup all you do is heat 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a pan until the sugar totally dissolves. Done!

If you want to make it a bit more interesting, when you take the syrup off the heat, add something to give the syrup some flavor (like 2 tsp of culinary lavender), stir and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve and/or cheesecloth and store in the fridge for up to 2 months. Some flavoring agents that I've tried or have been meaning to try include: basil, mint, lemon, organic rose petals...Use your imagination!

The syrup can be used in many different applications. Basil simple syrup over strawberry ice cream is a real treat. Or use the syrup to make an Italian soda (simple syrup and soda), a French soda (simple syrup, soda, splash of cream), Sangria or other fun beverage.