This fun Lavender Lemon Drop Martini has a bright lemony taste with a hint of soothing lavender. It’s refreshing and perfect for special occasions or just a relaxing evening at home!
You might catch yourself smiling as you sip this beautiful drink. The lavender adds a lovely twist, and it always impresses my friends. Cheers to fancy yet easy cocktails! 🍸
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A smooth, neutral vodka works best to let the flavors shine. If you prefer a flavored option, lemon or cucumber vodka can add a fun twist.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor. If you don’t have lemons, bottled juice can work in a pinch, though it might taste a bit less bright.
Lavender Simple Syrup: Homemade lavender syrup is easy and delicious, but if you’re short on time, look for store-bought versions. Just make sure they’re made with natural ingredients.
Sugar for Rimming: Granulated sugar gives a nice texture. You could use coarse sugar for a more decorative look or even a mix of salt and sugar for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Make Lavender Simple Syrup?
Making lavender simple syrup is really easy, and it’s a great way to add flavor to cocktails or desserts. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. This creates a 1:1 ratio, making it easy to remember.
- Heat over medium until the sugar is fully dissolved. No need to boil it too hard; just a gentle simmer works.
- Add dried culinary lavender and cover the pot. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse its flavor.
- After steeping, strain out the lavender buds through a fine mesh strainer. This ensures your syrup is smooth and clear.
- Let it cool before using, and store any extra syrup in the fridge. It should last for about a month!
In my experience, the syrup adds a lovely floral scent and taste that make the martini really special! Enjoy the process, and feel free to experiment with the amount of lavender to find your favorite level of flavor.
Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka (preferably a smooth, neutral vodka)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup (see instructions below)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice, for garnish
- Fresh lavender sprig, for garnish
- Granulated sugar, for rimming the glass
For Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. If you’re making the lavender simple syrup from scratch, add an additional 20 minutes for steeping the lavender, making a total of about 30 minutes before you can enjoy your drink!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat, add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender, cover it, and let it steep for 15-20 minutes. After steeping, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh strainer and allow the syrup to cool completely. You can store any leftover syrup in the refrigerator for future use.
2. Prepare the Glass:
Take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of a martini glass to wet it. Then, dip the rim into granulated sugar to coat it evenly for a frosty, sweet touch. Set the glass aside while you mix the drink.
3. Mix the Martini:
In a cocktail shaker, pour in 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz of the lavender simple syrup you just made. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until it’s nicely chilled.
4. Strain and Serve:
Carefully strain the cocktail into your prepared martini glass, allowing it to fill to the rim. For a nice touch, garnish the drink with a lemon slice perched on the edge of the glass and a fresh lavender sprig floated in the drink.
5. Enjoy:
Now it’s time to sip and enjoy your beautifully crafted Lavender Lemon Drop Martini! Relish the wonderful balance of floral sweetness and zesty lemon flavor. Cheers!
FAQs About the Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Different Sweeteners for the Simple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. Just remember that honey will impart a different flavor and might require a slightly different ratio depending on its sweetness. For a healthier option, consider using stevia, but start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Martini?
Yes! You can enjoy a mocktail version by omitting the vodka and replacing it with sparkling water or a lemon-flavored soda. You can also add a splash of tonic water for more complexity. Just keep the lavender simple syrup and lemon juice for that lovely flavor!
How Can I Store the Lavender Simple Syrup?
Your homemade lavender simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing, and give it a shake before using it again to mix in any sediment that may settle.
Can I Make This Drink Ahead of Time?
It’s best to serve this cocktail fresh for the best taste and presentation, but you can pre-mix the vodka, lemon juice, and lavender syrup in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake with ice before pouring it into the glass and adding your garnishes!
