I love mixing up drinks that are easy to throw together and actually taste good. The Lavender Lemon Drop has become a go-to for me—it’s refreshing, with just enough tartness and sweetness to keep things interesting.

Honestly, the lavender gives it something extra that regular lemon cocktails just don’t have. If you’re after a new spin on a classic, this one’s simple and you can find the ingredients at most grocery stores.

I really like how the lavender syrup softens the sharpness of the lemon and adds a subtle pop of color. Anyone can pull off this drink at home with just a few basic tools.

Thinking of serving something a bit special at your next get-together? Maybe give this Lavender Lemon Drop a shot.

Lavender Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

I make the Lavender Lemon Drop for its bright, punchy lemon flavor and those floral notes. It’s a refreshing cocktail—citrusy, sweet, and just a dash of lavender.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

I grab a cocktail shaker to mix and chill everything nicely.

A fine mesh strainer makes sure the cocktail’s smooth—no ice shards or stray lavender bits.
I use a measuring jigger for accuracy, though sometimes I just eyeball it if I’m feeling confident.
A citrus juicer comes in handy for squeezing fresh lemon juice.

Transferring the lavender syrup is easier with a bar spoon.
For serving, I like a chilled martini or coupe glass.
A zester or peeler works for adding a lemon twist as garnish.

And if I’m sugaring the rim, I use a paper towel or a small plate for that step.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for one cocktail:

2 oz vodka plain, not flavored
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice

0.5 oz triple sec or Cointreau
0.5 oz lavender simple syrup
Sugar for rimming the glass, optional

Ice
Lemon twist or dried lavender for garnish, optional

Instructions

I start by popping my glass in the freezer to chill.

Then I pour a bit of lemon juice onto a plate, dip the rim of the glass, and coat it in sugar.
In a cocktail shaker, I add vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and lavender syrup.
I fill the shaker with ice, slap on the lid, and shake hard for 20 seconds.

Straining the mix into the prepared glass, I use a fine mesh strainer to catch any ice.
For garnish, I go with a lemon twist or a pinch of dried lavender—depends on my mood.

Notes

Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.

If I want it less sweet, I dial back the lavender syrup. For a stronger lavender kick, I let the syrup steep longer or toss in a small sprig as garnish.

Good vodka is worth it—cheap stuff can be kind of harsh. If I’m skipping alcohol, I leave out the vodka and triple sec, then top it with sparkling water for a mocktail.

The lemon and lavender still shine through, and it’s super light. I always serve the drink cold and drink it right away for the best flavor.

Must Have Ingredients

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Tasting Notes

First sip, I get a blast of fresh, bright lemon aroma. There’s a gentle, floral scent from the lavender that just works with the citrus.

The taste is a real mix—tart and sweet at the same time. Lemon juice brings that clean, sharp edge, while the lavender syrup softens things with a hint of floral sweetness.

The vodka smooths it out, but doesn’t really steal the show from the other flavors.

It feels light on the tongue, honestly. The sugar rim gives a little crunch and just enough extra sweetness to balance out the lemon’s tartness.

The aftertaste is clean, with a whisper of lavender that hangs around for a moment. Makes the whole thing really refreshing and, honestly, easy to drink.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have all the right ingredients for a Lavender Lemon Drop. When that happens, I reach for substitutes that still taste pretty good.

If I’m out of lavender syrup, sometimes I just mix honey or simple syrup with a pinch of dried herbs. Rosemary is usually what I grab.

When there’s no vodka, I might use gin instead. It makes things a bit more herbal.

White rum is also an option, and it’s definitely on the lighter side.

Triple sec can be swapped for another orange liqueur. If there’s no alcohol around, orange juice works for that citrus punch.

Fresh lemon juice is the best, honestly. But bottled lemon juice does the job when that’s all I’ve got.

Lime juice is a bit more tart, but sometimes that’s a nice twist.

For a non-alcoholic version, I just skip the vodka and pour in lemonade with a splash of club soda. It keeps things light and super refreshing.

Lavender Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe