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

This Lavender Iced Tea Cocktail blends those floral lavender notes with the familiar taste of iced tea and a smooth spirit. I rely on basic tools, decent ingredients, and a step-by-step process to make sure every glass turns out refreshing.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

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.

Strainer: I strain the drink into a glass to get rid of ice and lavender bits.
Tall glass (highball): A tall glass shows off the color and holds plenty of ice.
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

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.
Strain the liquid into a tall glass filled with fresh ice, using a fine mesh sieve if you want.
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

Fresh-brewed, chilled black tea is best—it keeps the drink from getting watery. I make the lavender simple syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar, tossing in the lavender, letting it steep for about 10 minutes, then straining out the flowers.

Garnish carefully—dried lavender can be pretty strong, so I stick to a small sprig. If you want a more pronounced lavender flavor, you can add a little extra syrup, but too much will totally take over. Leftover syrup keeps in the fridge for a week, maybe a bit more.

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.

Lavender Iced Tea Cocktail Recipe