I love finding new ways to make classic cocktails pop. The Lavender Maple Bourbon Cocktail has a fresh, floral twist and just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.
This recipe lays out how to blend smooth bourbon, fragrant lavender, and rich maple syrup for a drink that’s simple but feels a bit special.
Looking for something easy but not boring? This cocktail totally fits the bill.
It works for a quiet night in or when you want to impress a couple friends. The flavors just play so well together—when I want something different, I keep coming back to this one.
Equipment
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Cocktail shaker with strainer
- Fine mesh strainer (to remove lavender bits)
- Muddler or spoon (if infusing lavender)
- Small saucepan (for making lavender syrup)
- Bar spoon: For mixing.
- Rocks glass or lowball glass
- Ice cubes
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz pure maple syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lavender syrup homemade or store-bought
- Ice cubes
- Dried lavender buds for syrup or garnish
- Lemon twist or wheel optional garnish
Lavender syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp dried culinary lavender
Instructions
- Make the lavender syrup: Toss water, sugar, and lavender in a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer, stir until the sugar’s gone, then cool and strain out the lavender.
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Add bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and lavender syrup to the shaker.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels chilly.
- Strain everything through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with lavender buds and a lemon twist if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
Image | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|
![]() | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The first thing that hits me is the gentle scent of lavender. It’s soft, inviting—never too much.
Then, there’s the maple syrup, bringing a mellow sweetness that just works with the bourbon. It doesn’t take over, which I appreciate.
The bourbon gives it a solid base. I get that warmth and a little spice with every sip.
I always toss in a few ice cubes—keeps it cool, easy to drink. As the ice melts, the flavors mellow out a bit, and it feels even more balanced.
Sometimes I’ll top it with a lemon twist. The fresh citrus aroma and taste cut through the sweetness and just make it pop a little more.
Substitute
Sometimes I have to tweak this cocktail, depending on what’s in my kitchen. Here are a few substitutions that’ve worked for me:
Lavender Syrup
- If I’m out of lavender syrup, honey syrup or even plain simple syrup does the trick for sweetness.
- Occasionally, I’ll steep a pinch of dried lavender in hot water—just for a hint of floral flavor.
Maple Syrup
- No maple syrup? I reach for agave, brown sugar syrup, or just classic simple syrup.
Bourbon
- If bourbon’s missing, rye whiskey or dark rum steps in pretty well.
Other Ideas
Sometimes I swap the garnish. A lemon twist or a mint sprig instead of lavender keeps things interesting.
Equipment
- Measuring jigger
- Shaker
- Strainer
- Glass for serving
Ingredients
- Substitute sweetener (honey, agave, or simple syrup)
- Substitute spirit (rye whiskey or rum)
- Alternate garnish (lemon twist or mint)
Instructions
- Measure and toss your substitute ingredients into the shaker.
- Shake with ice, then strain into a glass.
- Top it off with your chosen garnish.