A recent trip to the Lavender Festival in Pennsylvania inspired lots of experiments with lavender. So far, our best result has been our lavender simple syrup. It complements ingredients that don't overpower its simple flavor. Bourbon, vanilla, cinnamon all seem to drown out the lavender (although you will find many recipes on the Internet suggesting this combination). The following drinks (so far) have worked best. Sugar cookies, shortbread and lavender whipped cream are on next my experimentation list!
Lavender Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 tablespoons lavender
Bring ingredients to a boil; cover, turn off heat. Let steep for 30 minutes.
The possibilities are endless, and these few have been our favorites so far!
Lavender Lemon- or Lime-ade
Fresh lemon or lime juice
1-2 T lavender syrup
3 oz club soda water or plain water
lemon wedge garnish
1. Add lemon/lime juice into a glass; add lavender syrup.
2. Stir and fill with ice.
3. Top with soda water or water and lemon wedge.
Lavender Martini
Cold Vermouth
Vodka
Serve in a cold martini glass and garnish with a fresh lavender sprig.
This drink is so beautiful and would be perfect for a summer cocktail party. Or picture this, a warm summer night, you and your spouse sipping these outside, after burgers on the grill, kids playing knuffle ball and riding scooters. Fabulous.
Lavender Sapphire Collins
1 ½ oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
¾ oz lavender syrup
3 oz club soda
lemon wedge garnish
- 1. Squeeze ½ lemon into a Collins glass, add lavender syrup and gin.
- 2. Stir and fill with ice.
- 3. Top with club soda and lemon wedge.
