Lavender Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

I love experimenting with classic cocktails, and lately, the Lavender Old Fashioned has been a go-to. This drink pairs the smoothness of whiskey with just a hint of floral lavender, making it unique and honestly, pretty easy to like.

It’s a simple way to give an old favorite a modern spin. When I make one, the lavender aroma hits first—fresh, noticeable, but never overwhelming.

Whether it’s just for me or a group of friends, this recipe always seems to get compliments. People notice the balance and that calming scent right away.

Lavender Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Lavender Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Lavender syrup is what brings in that floral note. With just a few steps and some basic ingredients, it’s totally doable to make a smooth, aromatic Lavender Old Fashioned at home.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Mixing glass: Good for combining everything together.
  • Bar spoon: Makes stirring way easier.
  • Jigger: For measuring the whiskey and syrup without guessing.
  • Strainer: To get the drink into the glass, minus the ice.
  • Rocks glass: The classic vessel for this cocktail.
  • Peeler: I use it to get a nice strip of orange or lemon.
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional): Sometimes handy for catching bits from the peel or ice.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/4 oz lavender simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash orange bitters optional for extra flavor
  • Ice cubes—enough for the glass and for stirring
  • Orange or lemon peel for garnish
  • Edible lavender sprig for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Pour whiskey, lavender syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass.
  • Add a bunch of ice.
  • Stir for about 20 seconds, just until it’s nicely chilled.
  • Strain into a rocks glass over a big ice cube (or a few smaller ones if that’s what you have).
  • Garnish with a twist of orange or lemon peel. Hold it over the glass, give it a quick squeeze to release the oils, and drop it in.
  • If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add an edible lavender sprig on top.

Notes

I always taste my lavender syrup first—sometimes it’s strong, so I might use a bit less than 1/4 ounce. The orange bitters add a subtle citrus thing that works well with lavender, but you can skip them if you want.
For garnishing, I make sure the lavender is actually safe to eat (culinary-grade). If I’m out of lavender syrup, I just whip up a quick batch at home—it only takes about 15 minutes. Hosting a group? Prepping the syrup and garnishes ahead makes things way smoother. I usually pick a whiskey I’d actually sip on its own, since that flavor really comes through.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

The first thing I notice is the gentle floral aroma—lavender, but not in-your-face. It’s light, kind of inviting, honestly.

The sip starts with smooth bourbon and just enough sweetness. Lavender syrup gives a soft floral flavor that blends in, not overpowering at all.

There’s a little orange from the bitters, too. That touch of brightness keeps the drink from feeling heavy.

For me, the cocktail comes across as balanced—not too sweet, not too bitter. The finish is smooth, with a gentle herbal note from the lavender.

I like that the lavender makes it stand out from a standard Old Fashioned, but it still feels classic. The flavors are mellow and easy to enjoy, which is kind of the point, right?

Substitute

If I don’t have lavender syrup, I try a few easy swaps to keep the drink tasting good.

There are a handful of options that work well, honestly.

Equipment

  • Measuring spoon
  • Small saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Stirring spoon

Ingredients

  • Rosemary syrup
  • Simple syrup with a drop of lavender extract
  • Honey syrup with a little dried lavender
  • Chamomile syrup

Instructions

  • Mix your chosen syrup just like you would with lavender syrup. No need to overthink it.
  • If you’re using dried herbs or extracts, definitely strain before adding to the drink.
  • Taste as you go. Some flavors might be a bit punchier than lavender, so adjust as needed.

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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