Lavender Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

I love making simple cocktails with a little twist. A lavender gin and tonic is such a fresh way to liven up a classic drink.

The floral notes from the lavender really make it stand out, and honestly, there’s not a lot of extra work involved. With just a handful of ingredients and steps, I can whip up a lavender gin and tonic at home in a few minutes.

The result is a refreshing cocktail that’s easy but still manages to impress guests—or, let’s be real, just myself after a long day. If you’ve never tried lavender in a drink, you’ll probably be surprised at how well it blends with the botanicals in gin.

It’s a great pick for spring or summer get-togethers. I mean, who doesn’t want something a bit different once in a while?

Lavender Gin And Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Lavender Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
When I make a Lavender Gin and Tonic, I keep things simple but pay attention to the details. Good equipment and quality ingredients really help the flavors pop.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Jigger or measuring spoons: For accurate measurement of gin, syrup, and tonic.
  • Cocktail shaker (optional): If I want to quickly combine the gin with the syrup before adding tonic.
  • Bar spoon: For gentle stirring, keeping the carbonation in the tonic.
  • Highball glass: A tall glass provides enough space for ice and garnishes.
  • Strainer (if using a shaker): To pour without shaking up the herbs or ice too much.
  • Citrus zester or peeler: For making a lemon or lime twist for garnish.
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional): If infusing my own lavender syrup and want a clear drink.
  • Ice cube tray: To make plenty of fresh ice for serving.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin: London Dry gin or another brand I like.
  • 0.5 –1 ounce lavender simple syrup: Adjust to taste. I use homemade or store-bought.
  • 4 –5 ounces tonic water: I choose a high-quality tonic for the best taste.
  • 1 lemon or lime wheel: For garnish.
  • Lavender sprig optional: For aroma and decoration.
  • Fresh ice cubes: Enough to fill the glass.
  • Extra lemon or lime zest optional: For more aroma if desired.

Instructions

  • Fill my highball glass with ice cubes to chill it well.
  • Pour 2 ounces gin directly over the ice.
  • Add 0.5–1 ounce lavender syrup based on my desired sweetness.
  • Use my bar spoon to gently mix the gin and syrup.
  • Top slowly with 4–5 ounces tonic water, pouring along the side of the glass to keep it fizzy.
  • Stir gently just once to mix, but not break the bubbles.
  • Add a lemon or lime wheel on the rim for garnish.
  • Place a fresh lavender sprig in the glass for a fragrant touch.
  • Serve immediately while cold.

Notes

I like a floral gin like the Botanist or Hendrick’s for this drink. If I’m making lavender simple syrup at home, I steep food-grade dried lavender buds in equal parts sugar and water—then strain after about 30 minutes.
Tonic water can totally change the taste, so I stick to ones with simple, clean flavors. If I want it less sweet, half an ounce of syrup is enough for me.
Fresh ice is important so the cocktail doesn’t get watery. The garnish isn’t just for looks; that lavender and citrus oil add real aroma every time I take a sip.
No fresh lavender? No problem. A twist of lemon or lime peel works as a simple garnish. The drink’s best served cold and enjoyed soon after mixing for the freshest flavor.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

When I taste the Lavender Gin and Tonic, I notice a blend of floral and herbal flavors. The lavender brings a light, fragrant quality that stands out, but it’s not overpowering.

It pairs nicely with the crispness of the tonic water. The gin adds subtle hints of juniper and citrus, and these mix smoothly with the sweet, earthy notes from the lavender.

I find the balance refreshing and not too sweet, which is kind of the point. Here’s how I experience the main flavors:

I like the aroma just as much as the taste. The scent of lavender is gentle and calming, and together with the botanicals from the gin, the cocktail smells inviting and clean.

The texture is smooth, with the tonic’s bubbles adding a bit of liveliness. When I take a sip, the mix of cool and floral flavors makes it feel simple, but still special.

For serving, I use a clear glass to show off the pale purple color. A sprig of fresh lavender or a lemon twist adds some visual appeal and a little extra aroma.

Substitute

Sometimes, I run out of certain ingredients. Other times, I just want to try a different flavor—keeps things interesting, right?

Here are some ingredient swaps I use:

  • Lavender syrup: I’ll grab honey syrup with a drop of vanilla, or even elderflower syrup if I’m after that floral kick.
  • Gin: No gin? I’ll use vodka. Sure, it changes the taste, but honestly, it still feels fresh enough to me.
  • Tonic water: If tonic water’s missing, I go for club soda and toss in a splash of lemon juice. It makes the drink lighter, which isn’t always a bad thing.
  • Fresh lavender: When I’m out of fresh lavender, I’ll reach for dried lavender buds—or, honestly, sometimes I just skip it.

If my equipment isn’t available, I make these adjustments:

  • Cocktail shaker: I’ll shake everything up in a mason jar, or just stir it really well in a glass. Not fancy, but it works.
  • Strainer: No strainer? I just pour slowly and try to keep the ice or herbs from tumbling in.

Simple instructions when substituting:

  • I swap the syrups or spirits in the same amount the recipe calls for. No need to overthink it.
  • Stir or shake as usual—whatever tool I’ve got nearby does the trick.
  • Taste and adjust. Sometimes I add a bit more sweetener or citrus, depending on my mood or what the drink needs.

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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