Lavender Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe
This one's for anyone who loves floral flavors and bright citrus. It's a perfect pick for spring or summer, honestly.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger or shot glass
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Martini glass
- Microplane or zester
- Small saucepan (for simple syrup)
- Small jar or bottle (for storing syrup)
Ingredients
For lavender simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
For each cocktail:
- 2 oz vodka preferably citrus vodka
- 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ oz lavender simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or lavender sprig for garnish
- Sugar for rimming glass optional
Instructions
Make lavender simple syrup:
- Combine water, sugar, and lavender in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain out lavender buds and let cool completely.
Prepare glass:
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass.
- Dip the rim in sugar if you like a sweeter touch.
- Chill the glass in the freezer.
Mix cocktail:
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, and lavender syrup.
- Shake hard for 15-20 seconds until everything’s nice and cold.
- Strain into your prepared martini glass.
- Top with a lemon twist or a little lavender sprig if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
The lavender syrup keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks if you seal it up. This batch should be enough for 8-10 drinks, depending on how generous you pour.
If you want to skip the alcohol, swap the vodka for soda water or lemonade. It won’t pack a punch, but you’ll still get that lovely lavender-lemon thing going on.
The sugar rim? Totally up to you, but it does add a nice sweetness that plays off the tart lemon. Superfine sugar works best for sticking to the glass.
Don’t over-steep the lavender or it can get bitter—30 minutes is usually enough, but give the syrup a taste and see if you want to go bolder.