Lavender Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always enjoyed classic cocktails, but lately, I wanted to try something new and refreshing.

A Lavender Cosmopolitan is a floral twist on the original recipe, adding a gentle lavender flavor for a unique and interesting drink. The balance of tart cranberry, fresh lime, and a hint of lavender makes this cocktail stand out.

This recipe is great for anyone looking to impress at a dinner party or just relax with a special drink at home.

I’ll show you exactly what you need and how to make it.

Lavender Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe

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This Lavender Cosmopolitan brings a floral twist to a classic drink. I combine simple equipment and fresh ingredients to make a balanced, fragrant cocktail that looks and tastes elegant.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix the drink well and chill it quickly.
• Strainer: A fine mesh or regular strainer helps me remove ice and lavender bits from the finished drink.
• Jigger or measuring tool: I rely on this for precise ingredient amounts.
• Citrus juicer: I use a small handheld juicer to get fresh lime juice.
• Bar spoon: This helps me mix the drink when needed.
• Martini or coupe glass: I prefer to serve the Cosmopolitan in a chilled glass for the best taste.
• Fine mesh sieve (optional): I find this helpful if I want to strain out any tiny herb pieces for a smoother drink.
• Small saucepan: This is for making the lavender syrup.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka plain or citrus-flavored works
• 1 oz cranberry juice unsweetened or lightly sweetened
• 0.5 oz triple sec or Cointreau
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz lavender syrup store-bought or homemade
• Ice enough to fill shaker
• Lemon twist or fresh lavender sprig optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Add vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, lime juice, and lavender syrup to the cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice.
• Shake well for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
• Place a fine mesh strainer over your glass and pour the cocktail in, holding back any ice and solids.
• If desired, garnish the finished drink with a lemon twist or a small lavender sprig for extra aroma.
• To make lavender syrup, I simmer water and sugar in a small saucepan until dissolved, then add lavender buds. I steep for 10 minutes and strain before using.

Notes

I always choose dried culinary lavender, not ornamental varieties, to avoid bitterness and ensure safety.

If I prefer a sweeter drink, I add a little more syrup. For a lighter, more floral note, I use less syrup and shake for a bit longer.

When making lavender syrup, I don’t over-steep or the flavor can become too strong and soapy.

Fresh-squeezed lime juice gives the best taste and aroma. If I want a less alcoholic drink, I reduce the vodka slightly and add a splash more cranberry juice.

To chill my glass, I put it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while I prepare the cocktail, then empty it before serving.

I discard any leftover lavender syrup after two weeks to ensure the freshest flavor.

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Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Lavender Cosmopolitan, the first thing I notice is the gentle floral aroma.

The lavender gives a light, fresh scent that isn’t overpowering.

The color is a soft pink with a hint of purple. It looks elegant in the glass.

The texture is smooth and crisp.

Key Flavors I Experience:

• Lavender: Light and slightly sweet, never soapy
• Cranberry Juice: Tart but balanced
• Lime Juice: Bright and citrusy
• Vodka: Clean, letting the other flavors stand out

There’s a cool freshness from the lime and cranberry. The touch of lavender syrup adds a unique twist.

I like how the flavors mix well together. The sweetness is balanced, making the drink easy to enjoy.

The Lavender Cosmopolitan feels suitable for sipping at a relaxed gathering or a calm evening at home.

There’s nothing too sharp or bitter.

Each ingredient has its place, which makes this cocktail feel calm and approachable.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have all the ingredients for a Lavender Cosmopolitan. When that happens, I’ll swap things around and still end up with something tasty.

Equipment

• Basic cocktail shaker
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger or measuring spoons

Ingredients

• Vodka: I’ll grab gin if there’s no vodka in the house.
• Cranberry juice: Pomegranate or cherry juice can step in for a twist.
• Lavender syrup: If I’m out, I’ll mix honey or sugar syrup with a bit of dried lavender (if I have any). Sometimes I just use a splash of vanilla syrup instead.
• Triple sec: Orange juice or even a drop of orange extract work when I’m in a bind.
• Lime juice: Lemon juice does the trick if limes are missing.

Instructions

• Measure out your substitute ingredients.
• Shake everything up with ice in the cocktail shaker.
• Strain through the fine mesh strainer into your glass.
• If I don’t have fresh lavender, I’ll just add a little lemon or orange peel for a bit of flair.