Lavender Cocktail
It’s summer and while I’m a good water drinker, sometimes I need to switch things up for a drink with lots of flavor just to get liquid in. I’ve been enjoying fresh herbs for a fun way to switch up my classic kinds of concoctions…and now I’m taking that into our Happy Hour libations, including this lavender cocktail with fresh strawberries.
CONTENTS
Lavender Cocktail
The inspiration for a lavender cocktail with fresh strawberries actually stems from two jam recipes. The first was the strawberry thyme jam wedding favors we gave to our guests. The second is the strawberry lavender jam from a local Sacramento small business. The flavor combo is just right!
Lavender Simple Syrup
When we first started making cocktails at home, they were never all that great. The mix of a spirit and a ‘mixer’ just never clicked. Then I started discovering infused simple syrups.
Along with the sweetness from the simple syrup, fresh herbs add a flavor that isn’t sweet and usually compliments other flavors wonderfully – a hint of flavor that’s almost like an umami in any drink.
If you’ve tried other recipes of mine, you won’t be surprised. The lavender simple syrup here was also in my lavender iced tea. This whiskey and orange juice cocktail has rosemary simple syrup and then there’s the basil whipped cream on my cherry sorbet!
Lavender Cocktail Alternatives
The best part about any cocktail recipe (or any recipe in general) is altering it to your particular enjoyments.
Strawberries are a slightly tart and sweet, but you could certainly use other berries or stone fruits. I think peach would be a delicious alternative too. Whether you’re using strawberries or not, remember you can always adjust the amount of simple syrup depending how much natural sweetness the fruit is providing.
Lastly, I’ve been using gin in place of vodka in my lemon drops and the botanicals int he gin are a delicious compliment to the lemon and orange liqueur. I haven’t tried this particular lavender cocktail recipe with gin, but I would image it would be delicious.
If you’re a fan of rum, you could try a white rum for sure. I’m guessing you’d want to scale back the sweetness with that spirit, but you do you!
See these organic wines and sustainable alcohol brands!
LAVENDER COCKTAIL 🥃
Ingredients
Lavender Syrup
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender
Cocktail
- 2 large strawberry chopped
- 1 ounce lavender syrup
- 3 ounces vodka
- Crushed ice
- Sparkling mineral water such as Topo Chico
- Lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Lavender Syrup
- To make the lavender syrup, add the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Turn to medium-high heat and stir as the syrup warms and the sugar dissolves in the water, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook and bring to a strong simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes and remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the lavender, let cool to room temperature, and then transfer the syrup with the lavender to a jar with a lid. Cover with the lid and infuse at room temperature for 24 hours. When ready to use, pour the syrup through a mesh strainer and discard the lavender. You will have enough syrup to make 6 to 8 cocktails.
Cocktail
- To make the cocktail, add the chopped strawberry to an 8-ounce rocks glass. Add the lavender syrup and use a muddler to smash the berry and mix in the syrup. Pour in the vodka and stir.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice. Top with sparkling mineral water. Stir, garnish with lavender, and serve.
Notes
PINTEREST: Upload a photo and your review to this Pin!
INSTAGRAM:Â Tag me @lucismorsels and use #LMrecipes
