This Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a sweet and tangy drink that’s perfect for warm days. It’s made with fresh lemon juice and lavender syrup for a lovely twist!
Serving this drink at a gathering always gets compliments. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—mix, shake, and pour. Who knew looking fancy could be this simple? 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Use a smooth and quality vodka for the best flavor. If you prefer a different base spirit, gin can be an interesting alternative, adding herbal notes that complement the lavender.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to this drink. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice can work, but the taste won’t be as bright or vibrant.
Lavender Simple Syrup: You can buy premade lavender syrup if you’re short on time. For a more aromatic experience, make your own using culinary-grade dried lavender flowers. If lavender isn’t available, try rosemary syrup as a unique twist.
Triple Sec or Cointreau: Both are great for adding citrus flavor. If you’re looking for lower sugar alternatives, consider using orange juice or a splash of orange extract.
What’s the Best Way to Make Simple Syrup?
Making simple syrup is super easy! It adds sweetness to drinks without the grittiness of granulated sugar. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan with the lavender.
- Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
- Let it steep for about 15-20 minutes to extract the lavender flavor, then strain the syrup.
- Cool completely before using it in your cocktail.
This syrup can also be stored in the fridge for about a month, so you can enjoy more lavender lemon drop martinis whenever you like!
Refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz vodka (preferably a smooth, quality brand)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup (see instructions below)
- 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice, for garnish
- Lavender sprig, for garnish
- Coarse sugar, for rimming the glass
- For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender flowers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20 minutes for making the lavender simple syrup. Allowing the syrup to cool is important for its flavor. Get ready to impress your guests with this refreshing drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Lavender Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and dried lavender flowers. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup steep for 15-20 minutes to enhance the lavender flavor. After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender flowers and allow it to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Glass:
Take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of a martini glass to moisten it. Then, dip the rim into coarse sugar to create a beautiful sugared edge. Set the glass aside while you mix the cocktail.
3. Mix the Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, triple sec, and a generous amount of ice cubes. This ensures your drink will be well-chilled and refreshing!
4. Shake Well:
Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is cold. Feel free to dance a little as you shake—it makes the drink taste even better!
5. Strain and Serve:
Using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture into the prepared martini glass, making sure not to disturb the sugared rim. The drink should have a lovely lavender hue.
6. Garnish:
To make your martini even more beautiful, float a few lavender buds on top of the cocktail. Place a lemon slice on the rim and tuck a sprig of fresh lavender next to it for an eye-catching presentation.
7. Enjoy Immediately:
For the best taste and freshness, sip your Lavender Lemon Drop Martini right away. Enjoy the floral aroma and tangy flavor with every delicious sip. Cheers!
FAQ for Refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Fresh Lavender Instead of Dried?
Fresh lavender can be used, but you will need to double the amount since dried lavender has a more concentrated flavor. Use about 4 tablespoons of fresh lavender flowers for the syrup.
Can I Make the Simple Syrup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Lavender simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. This makes it super convenient to whip up this cocktail anytime you like!
What If I Don’t Have Triple Sec or Cointreau?
No worries! You can substitute with another orange liqueur like Grand Marnier, or for a non-alcoholic version, try adding a splash of orange juice to maintain that citrus flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cocktail?
If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of lavender simple syrup or add a little extra lemon juice for a more tart flavor. You can always taste and adjust as you go!
