Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients

• 5 1/2 cups water, divided
• 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 cups fresh or frozen quartered strawberries*
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh lavender leaves or 2 tbsp dried lavender leaves*
• 2 cups fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Club soda, optional*

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups water, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and strawberries. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in lavender. Let stand until cool.
3. Strain cooled liquid into a pitcher. Add remaining water, sugar and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve sugar.
4. Chill until serving. Serve over ice and add club soda for some fizz.