This Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days! It’s a sweet and zesty blend of lemon juice, vodka, and a touch of lavender syrup for a unique twist.
Mixing up this cocktail makes me feel fancy, like I’m at a rooftop bar! 🍋🌸 Serve it chilled, and don’t be surprised if you want more than one—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the base of your martini. I prefer a mid-range vodka for a smooth taste. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use gin for a different flavor profile.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for that bright tang. Bottled juice can be too sweet and less vibrant, so opt for fresh whenever possible.
Lavender Simple Syrup: This adds a unique twist! If you can’t find dried culinary lavender, you can make a similar syrup using rosemary or mint for a different herbal note.
Triple Sec: This orange liqueur complements the lemon well. If you don’t have it, you can use any other citrus liqueur like Cointreau or Gran Marnier.
How Do You Make the Lavender Simple Syrup?
Creating lavender simple syrup is simple and rewarding! This will bring a sweet floral touch to your cocktail. Just follow these steps:
- Combine water, sugar, and dried lavender in a saucepan.
- Simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Let it steep off the heat for 15-20 minutes to extract the lavender flavor.
- Strain out the lavender, allow the syrup to cool, and it’s ready to use!
This syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, so make extra to sweeten teas or desserts!
Refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup (see below for how to make)
- 1/2 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Coarse sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
- Lavender sprig (for garnish)
For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes if you’re making the lavender simple syrup from scratch. Overall, you’ll have a delicious cocktail ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup:
To make the lavender simple syrup, start by combining the water, granulated sugar, and dried lavender buds in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture steep for about 15-20 minutes. After steeping, strain out the lavender buds and allow the syrup to cool completely. This syrup can be kept in the fridge for up to a month!
2. Prepare the Glass:
While your syrup is cooling, you can prepare your glass. Take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of a martini glass. This will help the sugar stick to the rim for a nice sparkling touch. Next, dip the rim of the glass into a plate of coarse sugar to coat it evenly. Set this beautiful glass aside for later.
3. Make the Cocktail:
Now it’s time to make the cocktail! Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the drink. Add in the vodka, fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and triple sec. Put the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
4. Assemble:
Once your cocktail is nicely chilled, strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass. For an elegant touch, garnish the cocktail with a lemon slice on the rim and a lovely sprig of lavender floated gently in the drink.
5. Serve Immediately:
Your beautifully refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately for the best flavor and chill. Cheers to a delightful drink that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion!
FAQ about the Refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Store-Bought Lavender Syrup?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought lavender syrup. Just make sure to adjust the amount to your taste, as store-bought varieties can vary in sweetness.
How Do I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
You can easily transform this into a non-alcoholic drink by omitting the vodka and triple sec. Instead, use sparkling water or lemonade as a base, and add the lavender syrup and fresh lemon juice to keep the flavor profile intact!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Lavender Simple Syrup?
Store any leftover lavender simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about a month. You can use it in other cocktails, teas, or even drizzled over desserts for an extra floral touch.
Can I Use Fresh Lavender Instead of Dried?
Fresh lavender can be used, but use it sparingly as it’s more potent than dried! Start with 1 tablespoon of fresh lavender buds for the syrup, and adjust according to your taste preference.
