This Lavender Gin Sour is a lovely mix of gin, fresh lemon juice, and sweet lavender syrup. It’s light, fruity, and so refreshing—perfect for sunny days!
Mixing this drink is easy and fun! I like to imagine I’m a fancy bartender, even if my kitchen counter is a total disaster. 😉 Pour it over ice and enjoy a little taste of spring!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: A floral gin is my favorite here, but London dry gin works just as well. If you want a lighter touch, consider using a grapefruit or cucumber-flavored gin for a twist.
Lemon Juice: Always go for fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice is okay, but fresh makes a huge difference!
Lavender Syrup: You can easily make this syrup at home (recipe above) or buy it pre-made. If you don’t have lavender, rosemary syrup can offer a similar aromatic touch.
Triple Sec: If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, leave it out! The cocktail will still taste great without it. Or, use a splash of orange juice for a fruity vibe.
How Do You Make Sure Your Lavender Syrup Is Just Right?
Making lavender syrup is a straight-forward process, but timing is key. Here’s how to ensure it turns out well:
- Bring your water and sugar to a simmer. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
- After removing it from heat, let the lavender steep for no more than 20 minutes. Too long can make the syrup taste bitter.
- Strain it well to catch all the lavender bits, then let it cool completely before using. Store any leftovers in the fridge!
Using fresh ingredients and following the steeping times carefully will give you the best flavor for your cocktails!
Refreshing Lavender Gin Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (preferably a floral or London dry gin)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender syrup (see instructions below)
- 1/2 oz triple sec or orange liqueur (optional, for a hint of orange flavor)
- Ice cubes
- Lavender sprigs, for garnish
- Orange slice or peel, for garnish
- Club soda or sparkling water (optional, for topping and extra refreshment)
Lavender Syrup Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus some steeping time for the lavender syrup (about 15-20 minutes). If you make the syrup ahead of time, you can whip this lovely drink together in just a few minutes!
Instructions
1. Make the Lavender Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and dried lavender. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes. Once it’s done steeping, strain out the lavender and let the syrup cool completely. Store the syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for future use.
2. Prepare the Cocktail:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lavender syrup. If you’d like an extra hint of flavor, include the triple sec.
3. Shake It Up:
Put the lid on the shaker and shake well for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and combined.
4. Strain the Mixture:
Strain the cocktail mixture into a large wine glass or coupe glass filled with fresh ice to keep it chilled.
5. Top It Off (Optional):
If you’d like a sparkling touch, top the drink with club soda or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
6. Garnish:
Add a sprig of fresh lavender and an orange slice or peel on top for a beautiful, fragrant presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your refreshing Lavender Gin Sour immediately and sip away while enjoying the lovely flavors!
This recipe makes one delightful cocktail. Feel free to multiply the ingredients if you’re serving friends or if you’re just feeling extra thirsty!
FAQ for Refreshing Lavender Gin Sour
Can I Use Store-Bought Lavender Syrup?
Absolutely! Store-bought lavender syrup is a fantastic time-saver. Just make sure to taste it first, as some brands can be sweeter than others—adjust the amount you use in the recipe accordingly!
What If I Don’t Have Gin?
No worries! You can substitute gin with vodka for a cleaner flavor. If you want something more flavorful, try using a floral or herbal liqueur, like St-Germain, for a twist on the cocktail.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the drink too sweet, simply reduce the amount of lavender syrup used. Start with 1/2 oz and adjust to taste. On the flip side, if you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more syrup until you find the perfect balance!
How Should I Store Leftover Lavender Syrup?
Store any leftover lavender syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 2-3 weeks. Use it in other cocktails, or even in lemonade or iced tea!
