1 C. sugar
1/4 C. (a generous handful) fresh or 1 T. dried lavender blooms stripped from stems
1 C. freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
Ice cubes
Lavender sprigs for garnish

Combine sugar with 2 1/2 C. water in a medium pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the lavender blooms to the sugar water, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand at least 20 minutes (and up to several hours). Strain mixture and discard lavender. Pour infusion into a glass pitcher. Add lemon juice and another 2 1/2 C. water. Stir well and watch lemonade change color. Pour into tall glasses half-filled with ice or refrigerate until ready to use. Garnish lemonade with fresh lavender sprigs.