Lavender-infused virgin mojitos

This is a recipe I tried out for the upcoming Lavender Festival. It's so refreshing, and the lavender adds a subtle bit of loveliness and interest to an otherwise common summer drink.

Recipe: Lavender-infused virgin mojitos
Adapted from Food and Wine
VIRGIN MOJITOS
Ingredients
15 mint leaves
1 teaspoon raw sugar
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce Lavender Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
Ice
4 ounces chilled ginger ale

Directions
1. In a cocktail shaker or a tall glass, muddle the mint, sugar, lime juice and Simple Syrup. Add ice and shake well. Top with the ginger ale and/or seltzer, depending on your preference for taste and sweetness.

LAVENDER SIMPLE SYRUP
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 teaspoons organic lavender buds

Directions
In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water and lavender to a boil. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool completely, and strain out lavender buds.