A refreshing twist on classic gin cocktails, the Lemon Lavender Gin Cooler blends citrus and floral notes. This drink offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, ideal for warm summer days or relaxing evenings.
The Lemon Lavender Gin Cooler combines gin, fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup, and sparkling water for a light and fragrant beverage. The lavender adds a subtle floral aroma, while the lemon provides a zesty kick. The gin’s botanical profile complements these flavors, creating a well-rounded drink.
This cocktail is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy gin but want something less traditional than a gin and tonic. The Lemon Lavender Gin Cooler can be customized to suit individual tastes by adjusting the sweetness or strength of the lavender flavor.
Lemon Lavender Gin Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Tall glass
- Bar spoon
- Ice
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one Lemon Lavender Gin Cooler:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and lavender sprig for garnish
To make lavender simple syrup, mix equal parts sugar and water. Add dried lavender, simmer 5 minutes, then strain.
Instructions
Follow these steps to mix up your cocktail:
- Add gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and lavender sprig.
Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less syrup. For a stronger lavender flavor, muddle a few buds in the shaker before mixing.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Lemon Lavender Gin Cooler offers a refreshing blend of flavors. The gin provides a juniper-based foundation, while lemon adds bright citrus notes. Lavender brings a soft, floral touch that balances the drink’s tartness.
On the nose, the cocktail presents a light, herbal aroma with hints of citrus. The lavender scent is subtle, not overpowering.
The first sip reveals a crisp, clean taste. Gin’s botanical notes come through clearly. Lemon flavors follow, providing a zesty kick. The lavender essence lingers in the background, adding complexity.
This cocktail has a smooth, silky texture. It feels light on the palate, making it easy to drink. The cooler aspect keeps it refreshing, perfect for warm days.
The finish is dry with a slight sweetness. Lavender notes become more noticeable at the end, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
• Appearance: Clear with a pale purple tint • Aroma: Herbal, citrusy, floral • Taste: Crisp, zesty, botanical • Texture: Smooth, light • Finish: Dry, slightly sweet
This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers or seafood dishes. It’s best served chilled in a tall glass with ice.
Substitute
If you don’t have gin on hand, vodka can work well in this cocktail. The clean, neutral flavor of vodka allows the lemon and lavender to shine through.
For a non-alcoholic version, try using tonic water or club soda instead of gin. This creates a refreshing mocktail that still captures the essence of the drink.
Lemon-lime soda can sub in for both the gin and simple syrup. It adds sweetness and bubbles in one step. Just mix with lemon juice and lavender for a quick shortcut.
No fresh lemons? Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Use about 2 tablespoons to replace the juice of one lemon.
Dried culinary lavender can stand in for fresh. Use 1/4 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon of fresh lavender called for in the recipe.
Out of simple syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Let it cool before using in your cocktail.