This Lavender Gin Sour is a delightful drink that mixes gin, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of lavender for a tasty and pretty twist. It’s both refreshing and aromatic!
Honestly, sipping this drink feels like a mini vacation! I like to enjoy it in the sun while pretending I’m at a fancy garden party. 🌸 Cheers to that!
This drink is super easy to make. Just shake the ingredients with ice, strain, and enjoy! Perfect for warm days or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: A good quality gin makes all the difference! I love using a floral gin for this recipe, but any gin will work. If you’re looking for an alcohol-free option, consider using a non-alcoholic gin alternative.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the drink a bright zing. Always opt for fresh over bottled juice for the best flavor. If you don’t have lemons, try using lime juice instead.
Lavender Syrup: Making your own lavender syrup is simple and so rewarding! If you can’t find dried culinary lavender, you can use store-bought syrup or a different floral syrup like elderflower. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
Simple Syrup: This optional ingredient can be added to sweeten your drink. If you prefer a lower-calorie option, you could use agave syrup or honey instead, but keep in mind that honey has a distinct flavor.
How Do I Make the Perfect Lavender Syrup?
Creating lavender syrup is easy and adds a unique twist to your cocktail. Here’s a step-by-step to get it right:
- Combine equal parts water and sugar (1 cup each) along with 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat until it simmers, and stir to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat, cover, and let steep for about 15 minutes to infuse the flavor.
- Strain out the lavender using a fine mesh sieve, cool the syrup, and it’s ready to use!
Store any leftover syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks. Enjoy making your Lavender Gin Sour even more special!
Refreshing Lavender Gin Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender syrup (see note)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or lavender sprig (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, including making the lavender syrup. If you already have syrup ready, the cocktail can be mixed in just about 5 minutes! It’s a quick and easy process that yields a refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Lavender Syrup:
First, get your lavender syrup ready. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, while stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, remove the pan from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes. After steeping, strain the mixture to remove the lavender and cool the syrup. Set aside.
2. Mixing the Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, pour in the gin, fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup, and simple syrup if you prefer a little extra sweetness. The balances of flavor are key here, so adjust the syrups to your taste!
3. Shaking it Up:
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and secure the lid. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want it well mixed and chilled, so shake until you feel the cold on the outside of the shaker!
4. Strain and Serve:
Strain the cocktail mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This will keep your drink cold and refreshing.
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your drink with a lovely lemon wheel or a sprig of lavender for that beautiful touch! Then, take a moment to admire the drink before taking that first sip.
6. Cheers!
Now you’re ready to serve your refreshing Lavender Gin Sour. Enjoy sipping and savoring this delightful drink!
FAQ for Refreshing Lavender Gin Sour
Can I Use a Different Type of Gin?
Absolutely! While a floral gin complements the lavender beautifully, any gin you prefer will work. Feel free to experiment with different brands to find your favorite flavor profile!
What if I Don’t Have Dried Culinary Lavender?
If you can’t find dried culinary lavender, you can substitute with store-bought lavender syrup or even use a different floral syrup, like elderflower. Just adjust the quantity to ensure the desired sweetness and flavor!
How to Store Leftover Lavender Syrup?
Any leftover lavender syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just give it a good shake before using to redistribute the ingredients, and it’ll be ready for your next cocktail!
Can I Make This Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While the ingredients are best enjoyed fresh, you can mix the gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. Just shake it with ice immediately before serving for that fresh, chilled effect!
