strawberry lavender vodka lemonade (& a mocktail!).

summer can't come quickly enough! no but seriously, it can't. i need some sun, sandals and swimming in my life as soon as possible, or i just might shrivel up. maybe the problem is that we aren't in a summer mood yet? maybe summer is waiting for us to get on board? so i thought i'd help it along by sharing a recipe for a summertime cocktail that will either make you feel like you're lounging at the lake, or will be the perfect choice for when you're there.i know. i know what you're thinking. who's going to trust a cocktail recipe from a pregnant lady? but just bear with me, because if there's one thing i know, it's drinks. and also, i happen to have a very willing taste-tester living with me, who is only too happy to taste the drinks i create. he says you'll like this one.the strawberries add just enough tartness and fruitiness (i'm also currently obsessed with them), while the lavender simple syrup adds some sweetness and a really unique flavor. i used pink lemonade in mine, just because it's looks so pretty with the strawberries, but obviously you can use regular lemonade too. vodka adds a kick but lets the other flavors shine, and the result is a drink that looks as gorgeous as it tastes. it would be fun to try bourbon or gin for a different take on this, but i'm partial to this classic combo.[gallery type="rectangular" ids="3034,3031"]and for anyone looking for a delicious mocktail, whether it's because you're pregnant like me, or because you're just craving a refreshing summer beverage, just omit the vodka, and voila! a delicious, non-alcoholic twist on lemonade!strawberry lavender vodka lemonade recipe (makes 2)

• 3/4 C. fresh strawberries (thawed frozen will work too) + more for garnish
• 4 oz. vodka (omit to make this a delicious mocktail!)
• 2 oz. lavender simple syrup*
• 1-2 C. lemonade
• ice

muddle quartered strawberries in a cocktail shaker with half the lavender simple syrup. add the remaining simple syrup and vodka and shake well. pour into 2 tall glasses** filled with ice. top with lemonade, garnish with a strawberry and enjoy, preferably on a sunny deck wearing flip-flops and fun sunglasses.note: a standard american shot glass is 1.5 oz., so use a little over one shot for every 2 oz. the recipe calls for.*lavender simple syrup recipe

• 1 C. water
• 1 C. sugar
• 3 tsp. food-grade lavender buds

combine water, sugar and lavender in a small saucepan. bring to a boil and stir to ensure all the sugar is dissolved. remove from heat and let cool completely. when ready to use, strain the lavender out of the syrup. store in a small jar or other container in the fridge up to three weeks. (great in hot or iced coffee/tea as a sweetener, or in another cocktail!)**i recommend tall glasses for this recipe because short won't accommodate the amount of mix + lemonade over ice. however, if you want to experiment with amounts, or prefer a stronger cocktail, feel free to adjust the size of the glass or the amount of servings in this recipe. after all, cocktails are a very personal thing!this post is inspired by the #redBar: summertime cocktail project for Red Envelope. they're sharing favorite summertime drinks as the weather gets nicer. check out @redenvelope and #redBar on twitter for other great summertime cocktail ideas!

elsewhere with love: bloglovin’ || facebook || twitter || instagram