A Blueberry Lavender Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Collins cocktail. It combines bright blueberry flavor with gentle floral notes from lavender.
This simple recipe shows you how to make a beautiful and tasty drink right at home. It’s perfect for relaxing or sharing with guests.
I love the way the blueberries add a sweet tang. The hint of lavender brings a calming aroma to each sip.
With clear steps and a short list of ingredients, anyone can create this cocktail without fuss. No fancy skills needed, really.
Whether I’m hosting friends or winding down after a busy day, this drink adds a special touch.
Blueberry Lavender Collins Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill all the ingredients.
- Muddler: I use it to crush the blueberries and release their juice.
- Jigger or measuring cup: Accurate measurements are important for the best taste.
- Tall Collins glass: I like the classic presentation and the extra space for adding ice and soda.
- Bar spoon: This is handy for stirring and layering the soda water.
- Fine mesh sieve (optional): Sometimes I use this if I want to strain out the blueberry skins for a smoother drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin: I choose a London Dry or a lighter floral gin.
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor.
- 3/4 oz blueberry lavender syrup: I find this by infusing simple syrup with lavender buds and blueberries.
- Club soda: I top the drink with soda for fizz.
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries: Some go into the shaker others for garnish.
- Lavender sprig or lemon wheel garnish: Simple, fragrant, and elegant.
- Ice cubes: Enough to fill the glass and chill the drink.
Instructions
- Add the blueberries to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the juices are released.
- Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and blueberry lavender syrup.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the outside feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with extra blueberries, a lemon wheel, or a sprig of lavender.
Notes
If fresh lavender isn’t available, food-safe dried lavender works well.
I prefer a dry gin, but a floral gin can add even more aroma.
For a mocktail, I leave out the gin and add a bit more syrup and soda.
I always taste and adjust the syrup or lemon juice to my liking before serving.
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Blueberry Lavender Collins, I first notice the fresh, tart flavor of blueberries. It gives the drink a bit of natural sweetness.
The blueberries also add a slight purple tint, which makes the cocktail look appealing in the glass.
What I Taste:
- Blueberries:Â Sweet and a little tangy
- Lavender:Â Light floral notes, not too strong
- Lemon:Â Bright and crisp, balances the sweetness
- Gin:Â Smooth, with hints of herbs
The lavender is subtle, not overpowering. I find that it adds a gentle floral aroma when I bring the glass to my lips.
It blends with the gin’s botanicals, letting each sip feel refreshing. As the ice melts, the flavors stay balanced.
The cocktail stays light and easy to drink. I sometimes notice the lemon coming forward more as the drink sits, which makes each sip lively.
Texture and Feel:
- Effervescent due to the club soda
- Smooth overall with a crisp finish
- Cool and thirst-quenching
Every time I make this cocktail, the taste is clean and inviting. No single flavor takes over the rest.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have every single ingredient for a Blueberry Lavender Collins. No big deal—here are a few swaps I’ve tried that actually work pretty well.
For Gin:
- I’ll grab vodka if I’m after a smoother, more neutral flavor.
- White rum can sneak in for a sweeter twist, though it does change things up a bit.
For Blueberry Syrup:
- Fresh blueberries mashed up with a spoonful of sugar and a splash of water? That does the trick in a pinch.
- Honestly, raspberry or blackberry syrup isn’t half bad if blueberries are missing from the fridge.
For Lavender:
- If I’m out of lavender syrup, I’ll toss in some dried edible lavender instead.
- Rose water, but just a drop or two, gives a similar floral vibe—sometimes I even prefer it.
For Lemon Juice:
- Lime juice stands in for lemon juice without much fuss.
- Bottled lemon juice will work if you’re desperate, though honestly, fresh is always better if you can swing it.
Equipment
Instructions
- Just mix your substituted ingredients the same way you would for the original recipe.
- I like to taste as I go and tweak the flavors if something feels off.
- Shake, strain, and pour over ice—nothing too complicated.
