Lavender iced tea cocktails are such a simple way to sneak a bit of floral flavor into your summer drinks. This recipe shows how to combine black tea, lavender, and a splash of spirits for a unique, refreshing cocktail.
The result? A chilled, relaxing drink that’s honestly perfect for warm afternoons or just hanging out with a few friends. I like this drink because it’s easy to make and doesn’t involve a wild goose chase for weird ingredients.
The lavender gives the tea this gentle, almost calming aroma. Adding lemon or honey just brings out even more flavor, if you ask me.
If you’re looking for something new to sip on, this one’s a pretty delicious and straightforward choice.
Lavender Iced Tea Cocktail Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill everything together.
- Measuring jigger: This helps me get the right amount of spirits and syrups.
- Stirring spoon: I use this to stir in the tea after shaking.
- Fine mesh sieve: This catches any tiny lavender particles.
- Ice cubes: I use lots for serving and shaking.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka or gin if you want a botanical twist
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup see Notes for how to make it
- 4 oz chilled black tea I usually go with English Breakfast or Earl Grey
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Lavender sprig and lemon slice for garnish
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, and 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup.
- Shake well for about 20 seconds until everything’s nice and cold.
- Add 4 oz chilled black tea to the glass.
- Stir gently to mix and chill it all together.
- Garnish with a sprig of lavender and a lemon slice on the rim.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take that first sip of the Lavender Iced Tea Cocktail, there’s this gentle floral aroma right away. The scent of lavender stands out, but it doesn’t smack you in the face.
The first taste is smooth and just a little sweet. There’s a bit of tartness from the tea, balanced with the subtle lavender flavor. It feels light on the palate—nothing heavy or syrupy.
I really like how the lavender blends with the tea. The herbal notes play nicely with the mild bitterness from the tea itself.
The ice keeps the whole drink extra cool and refreshing, which is kind of the point, right?
After a few more sips, I pick up on the softness of the sweetener—whether it’s honey or simple syrup. Thankfully, it doesn’t leave a sticky aftertaste.
If I toss in a lemon wedge, I get this bright citrus note in each sip. That helps balance the floral and tea flavors even more.
Substitute
If I need to swap out an ingredient in my Lavender Iced Tea Cocktail, I always think about the flavor first. Here are a few easy substitutions I’ve tried and liked:
Ingredients
- No lavender syrup? I just reach for honey syrup or simple syrup. Sometimes I toss in a drop of vanilla extract for a little twist.
- Out of black tea? I’ll use green tea or even herbal tea. The result is lighter, almost refreshing in a different way.
- Making it non-alcoholic? I skip the gin or vodka and pour in more tea or a splash of lemonade instead.
Equipment
- No cocktail shaker on hand? A jar with a tight lid or any container that seals well does the trick.
- If I can’t find my fine mesh strainer, a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth works just fine.
Instructions
- When I use lighter teas like green or white, I steep them for a little less time. No one likes bitter tea, right?
- Trying out different sweeteners, I taste as I go—sometimes it’s surprisingly easy to overdo it or end up with something bland.
- For a stronger hit of flavor, I’ll let herbs or syrups sit in the tea a few extra minutes before straining. It’s not an exact science, but I like to experiment.
