This delightful low-sugar and alcohol-free drink features my favorite flavors of the summer, the sweetness from cherries (I like to use Bing cherries, crisp taste with a touch of acidity), the aromatic floral taste of lavender, and the tang of lime juice. Add sparkling water over ice and you have yourself a refreshing experience. Act fast though as cherries go out of season pretty quickly. Cherries are filled with vitamin C as well as B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.

Makes about 6-8 beverages depending on glass size.

Gather

3 cups cherries, pitted and cut in half

1 vanilla bean, sliced in half

1 cup monk fruit

5 sprigs fresh lavender

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 limes

1 bottle sparkling water

Agave to taste

Lavender flowers and extra lime wedges for garnish

Make

Place cherries, vanilla bean, and monk fruit in a small saucepan over medium flame and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower to a simmer. Add 5 lavender sprigs and cook for 5 minutes more. Turn off the flame and let sit 30 minutes. Remove the lavender sprigs and transfer the cherry mixture to a blender. Blend for one minute and then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a glass container. Discard the pulp and add the juice of 1 1/2 limes to the syrup. Set aside. The syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 5 days.

Gather your favorite glasses, toss in ice cubes and then pour in the cherry syrup, I kind of eyeball it. I like my drinks pretty dark, then pour in the sparkling water. Add a dash of agave, some extra lime juice to taste and stir, and garnish with lavender flowers and lemon wedges.

Recipe by Anna Oster of Amalgam Kitchen