HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Floral Blueberry Lemonade Makes 2 liters By Nissa Pierson here’s hardly a simpler lemonade than one that uses the whole lemon. My version maintains the ease while elevating the beverage with fresh summer blueberries and my signature herbal magic. 吀栀e result? A sweet, tangy ultra-fresh lemonade suitable for sipping at a laid-back BBQ or showcasing at a fancy Tdinner party. I add scented rose geraniums from my garden, though I also often use fresh lavender, 吀栀ai basil 昀氀owers, or even a sweet rose or 昀氀oral tea. Any of these will work. 吀栀e 昀氀ower essence is the important part, imparting a 昀氀oral and perfumed edge to the 昀椀nal lemonade. Fresh summer blueberries not only provide a sweet balance to the tartness but also lend an exciting pink vibrancy that makes it feel extra special. 吀栀e result is a stunning, multidimensional lemonade with a delightful light and silky texture! Yes, whole lemon lemonade may be a tinge more bitter than regular lemonade, but more and more Americans are beginning to discover what the rest of the world has long appreciated regarding bitterness. As they become more open, they learn that bitter components help add depth and nuance, yielding more complex 昀氀avors and, in this case, less of a one-dimensional, overly sweet 昀氀avor. Bitter components have been essential in cocktail making since time immemorial, and this recipe shows how they raise the bar for mocktails as well. *Since we are using the entire lemon, peel and all, I recommend using organic lemons to ensure the skin is free from pesticide and chemical waxy residue. Either way, make sure to wash the lemons well before using. Ingredients Instructions 4 lemons, quartered, seeds removed 1. Blend the lemons, sugar, and water in a 1 cup sugar blender and blend until totally smooth and frothy. 3 cups water for blending 1 cup blueberries 2. Add the blueberries, tea, and fresh 昀氀owers if 1-2 teaspoons of loose 昀氀oral tea using, and process again until all the blueberries are of choice: rose, lavender, jasmine, smooth and creamy. or chamomile (if using a tea bag, remove the tea from the bag, making 3.Strain into a pitcher using a 昀椀ne mesh strainer it loose.) and discard the solids. Fill the pitcher with about 4-5 Handful of fresh geranium 昀氀owers cups of regular or sparkling water. or lavender 昀氀owers (optional) Sparkling water (optional) 4. Serve over ice with a geranium flower or lavender wand garnish. 8080 MMAAYY//JJUUNNE 2E 200224 4 AABBAASSTOTO..CCOOMM