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

Lavender Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
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
Total Time 5 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.

Must Have Ingredients

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.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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