Lavender Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe

I really like hunting for new ways to bring some personality to classic cocktails. The Lavender Gin Collins is just a simple twist on the traditional Collins, but that lavender syrup gives it a floral, refreshing kick.

This cocktail somehow balances the crisp bite of gin with those gentle, sweet lavender notes. It’s just right for warm days or when you want to impress at a gathering.

Every time I make a Lavender Gin Collins, I’m surprised by how easy it is to throw together. Plus, the soft purple hue and that unmistakable aroma always seem to get people talking.

If you want a drink that stands out but doesn’t require a ton of effort, this recipe’s honestly a winner.

Lavender Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe

Lavender Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe
To me, a Lavender Gin Collins is about as floral and refreshing as a cocktail gets. It’s perfect for a sunny afternoon or a chill evening with friends.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker: Good for mixing everything together smoothly.
  • Jigger: I need this for measuring out the right amounts.
  • Strainer: Helps keep the ice and any solids out of the glass.
  • Bar spoon: Handy for stirring and layering, if I’m feeling fancy.
  • Collins glass: Tall, classic, and it just looks right.
  • Fine mesh sieve: Sometimes I’ll use this if I want the drink extra clear—especially if I’ve gone heavy on the lavender.
  • Ice cubes: Always have more than you think you’ll need.
  • Measuring spoons: Useful if I’m making my own syrup at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin London Dry is my go-to, but use what you like
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice I always squeeze it myself—worth it
  • 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup homemade or store-bought, no judgment
  • 2-3 oz club soda cold is best for that refreshing fizz
  • Ice cubes for both shaking and serving
  • Lemon wheel makes a nice garnish
  • Fresh or dried lavender sprig totally optional, but pretty

Instructions

  • Pour gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup into your shaker.
  • Add ice and shake for about 10 seconds—just enough to mix and chill.
  • Strain everything into a Collins glass packed with fresh ice.
  • Top off with club soda, but pour gently so you don’t lose all that fizz.
  • Give it a soft stir with a bar spoon—just a couple turns so the bubbles stick around.
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel, and if I’m feeling extra, a lavender sprig for that scent.
  • Serve it right away. It’s best cold and fresh.

Notes

If you’re sensitive to floral flavors, maybe start with less lavender syrup and add more if you want. The syrup can be strong, so taste as you go.
Dry gin keeps things crisp and stops the drink from getting too sweet. Homemade lavender syrup keeps in the fridge about a week, in my experience.
If I run out of club soda, sparkling water does the trick. I try not to go overboard with soda, or the flavors get lost. Drink it soon after mixing—the fizz and freshness don’t last forever.
For garnish, I stick to culinary lavender only. Some types aren’t meant for food or drinks. If I want it sweeter, I just add a little more syrup, but I always try it first before going overboard.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

First sip, I get a crisp, refreshing hit. The gin’s there, solid and clean, but the floral lavender syrup softens everything with a gentle sweetness.

The club soda adds lift, so the whole drink feels light—almost airy. Lemon juice and lavender play off each other in a subtle, but noticeable way.

It’s smooth, a bit tart, and the garnish (lemon or lavender, or both) adds a delicate aroma that’s honestly hard to ignore.

Main Flavor Notes:

  • Crisp gin
  • Soft floral lavender
  • Bright lemon
  • Gentle fizz from soda

Every time I make this cocktail, I swear I catch new little flavors or aromas—especially from the way the gin and lavender syrup come together. It’s never boring, that’s for sure.

Substitute

Sometimes, I just don’t have all the exact ingredients for a Lavender Gin Collins. It happens, right? In those cases, I reach for substitutes that get pretty close in flavor and look—good enough for me, anyway.

Possible substitutes I use for common ingredients:

  • Gin: I’ll swap in vodka or white rum now and then. Vodka’s milder, white rum is a bit sweeter. Both work if you’re flexible.
  • Lavender syrup: If I’m out, I go for honey syrup with a few drops of lavender extract. Sometimes I just use simple syrup and toss in some dried lavender. Not perfect, but it does the trick.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice is my backup. It’s not as bright, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
  • Soda water: Tonic works, or even lemon-lime soda if I’m feeling wild. It definitely changes the vibe, but it’s fun to play around.

Equipment I use for mixing substitutes:

  • Cocktail shaker, or honestly just a jar with a lid if that’s what’s clean.
  • Small strainer—though I’ve used a tea strainer in a pinch.
  • Jigger or a regular measuring spoon. I eyeball it sometimes, but don’t tell anyone.
  • Highball glass. Or whatever glass is handy, honestly.

Ingredients for a basic substitute Lavender Collins:

  • 2 oz vodka (or white rum, if that’s what I’ve got)
  • 1 oz honey syrup with lavender extract
  • 1 oz lemon juice (fresh is best, but bottled works)
  • 3 oz tonic water or lemon-lime soda
  • Ice—lots of it

Instructions I follow:

  • Add spirit, honey syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker. No need to overthink it.
  • Fill with ice and shake it up until it’s nice and cold.
  • Strain into a highball glass with some fresh ice. Or just use what you have.
  • Top with tonic water or lemon-lime soda. Whatever’s open in the fridge, really.
  • Stir gently. If I’ve got extra lemon or lavender, I’ll throw that on top for garnish. If not, no big deal.

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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