Chamomile simple syrup

I pondered all week on what to do with the bunch of chamomile that was going to be in my Saturday delivery from Abundant Harvest Organics. I was uninspired after searching the web and asking around so I decided to make a simple syrup out of it. The possibilities are endless for this syrup. It has such a nice floral sweetness and I can't wait to brush it on stone fruits before grilling. It also makes a great sweetener for lemonade so I decided to make a lemon martini out of it. See the recipes below.

Chamomile Simple Syrup

3/4 cup of water
1 1/2 cups of sugar
squeeze of lemon
one bunch of fresh chamomile flowers (approx. 2 tbsp)

To make the syrup, bring water, sugar and lemon to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Once the mixture is clear, remove from the heat and stir in the chamomile flowers and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain, let cool, then store the mixture in refrigerator for up to a month.

Chamomile Lemon Martini
Yield = one 6 oz. martini

3 oz. Grey Goose Vodka
1 oz. Lemoncello
3/4 oz. Chamomile Simple Syrup
1 1/4 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker. Strain into a sugar rimmed martini glass, garnish with lemon rind and serve.