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This lavender cocktail is a spin on a Tom Collins made with this herb! It’s a gin drink that’s sweet tart and bubbly, with a floral finish.
Here’s an herbal, sweet tart cocktail that’s a new favorite around here: this Lavender Collins Cocktail! It’s a spin on the classic Tom Collins starring this fresh herb. And wow, is it full of flavor! It’s sweet tart, zing and bubbly, with a subtle floral finish to each sip. It’s got just the right essence of lavender that leaves you wanting more. Alex and I have been making a string of lavender drinks, and this one is at the top of the list. Here’s what to know about making a lavender cocktail.
What’s in this lavender cocktail?
This lavender cocktail is essentially a Tom Collins that’s infused with this fresh herb. Unlike many lavender drinks, it’s not too strong (nothing like Grandma’s soap!). The best way to add lavender flavor to drinks? By making a custom simple syrup with the fresh herb. It’s hard to get much flavor out of this herb by just muddling it, so a custom simple syrup is the way to go. Here’s what’s in this lavender cocktail:
- Lavender simple syrup
- Gin
- Lemon juice
- Soda water
Use fresh or dried lavender buds!
You can use either fresh lavender buds or dried to make this lavender gin cocktail. Dried lavender is easiest to find and lasts for up to a year in a cool, dry place like your pantry. Where to find fresh lavender buds? When they’re in season you can find them at a farmer’s market, or perhaps you’re already growing them in your garden! You’ll just need the flowers, not the green leafy sprigs.
How to make lavender simple syrup
The only part of this lavender cocktail that takes much effort is making the special simple syrup. You’ll need about 25 minutes to make the lavender syrup: but only a few minutes of hands on time! Here’s what you’ll need to know about lavender simple syrup:
- Use equal parts water and sugar. The recipe makes 10 tablespoons, which makes about 5 to 6 of these lavender cocktails. If you’re entertaining and need more, make a double recipe.
- Bring to a simmer with lavender buds, then remove heat and sit for 20 minutes. This allows the flavor of the herb to infuse into the syrup.
- Strain and refrigerate. Strain out the lavender and you’re good to go! You can store the syrup for 1 month refrigerated.
How to make a Lavender Collins cocktail
Now that you know all the ingredients…how to make this lavender cocktail? There are just a few simple steps with this one:
- Shake in a cocktail shaker. Take gin, lemon juice, and syrup and shake it together in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. (The number of ice cubes is specific so the drink doesn’t get too watered down.)
- Strain into a glass and top off with soda water. Strain the drink into a glass with ice cubes. Then top it off with soda water.
- Garnish! Add a lemon wheel and if you like, a sprig of lavender or fresh rosemary.
More drinks with lavender
This lavender cocktail is one way to use this fresh herb in a drink: but there are a few other ways we love to serve it! You can use up the rest of your lavender with:
- Lavender Lemonade This zingy drink has a tangy sweet flavor and is a lovely shade of light purple! It’s got just the right floral finish.
- Lavender Tea You can make DIY lavender tea with fresh or dried buds! This soothing herbal tea tastes subtly floral and has potential health benefits.
- Lavender Latte Creamy and delicately floral! It’s easy to make at home, scented with lavender simple syrup.
When to serve this lavender cocktail
This lavender cocktail is bubbly and refreshing: it works in any season or for a fancy brunch! Try it as a:
- Summer drink
- Brunch drink
- Afternoon drink
- Dinner party drink
- Before dinner drink (aperitif)
Lavender Collins Cocktail
This lavender cocktail is a spin on a Tom Collins made with this herb! It’s a gin drink that’s sweet tart and bubbly, with a floral finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) dry gin
- 3/4 to 1 ounce (1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons) lavender simple syrup
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
- ½ cup soda water
- Ice (try our clear ice!)
- For the garnish: lemon slice, lavender or rosemary sprig
Instructions
- Add the gin, syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the liquid into an ice filled glass, and top off the glass with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cocktail cherry.
More cocktails with herbs
Fresh herbs are the best way to add intriguing flavor to cocktails! Here are some of our other favorite drinks that use fresh herbs:
- Gin & Basil Cocktail This lemon lime cocktail is full of peppery fresh flavor from the bright green herb!
- Classic Mojito Perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.
- Rosemary Fizz Cocktail Combines the fragrant, herbal flavor of rosemary with lemon and lots of bubbles! It’s an ideal way to use this fresh herb.
