This refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet lavender. It’s bright, colorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
Honestly, sipping on this drink feels like summer in a glass. Who doesn’t love a little floral flair with their cocktail? Cheers to fun times! 🥂
For me, the best part is how easy it is to whip up. Just mix the ingredients, shake, and pour. It’s a simple way to impress friends at gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A clean-tasting vodka works best for this cocktail. If you prefer, you can use a flavored vodka like citrus or even gin for a different twist. Just be careful with flavors that are too strong!
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the brightest flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the freshness makes a big difference. For a sweeter drink, consider adding a bit more syrup.
Lavender Simple Syrup: This is essential for that floral note. If you can’t find dried lavender, some stores sell lavender syrup, which you could use directly but may want to adjust to taste since it could be sweeter. Honey syrup is another alternative if you’d like a different sweetener.
Garnishes: Fresh lavender gives a lovely look, but if you can’t find it, you can skip it or replace it with edible flowers for decoration. A lemon wedge or twist is always great regardless!
How Do I Make Lavender Simple Syrup Without a Mess?
Making lavender simple syrup is easier than you think! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Combine equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Add the dried lavender buds. These buds are key to infusing that unique flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for 15-20 minutes. The longer it sits, the stronger the lavender flavor will be!
- Strain the syrup to remove the buds, then let it cool before using. It can last in your refrigerator for a couple of weeks.
Remember to check the sweetness to your liking; you can always adjust it with more sugar if needed!
Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Martini:
- 2 oz vodka (preferably a clean-tasting brand)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup (instructions below)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice, for garnish
- Fresh lavender sprig, for garnish
- Coarse sugar or granulated sugar, for rimming the glass
- For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation for the cocktail, plus an additional 15-20 minutes to make and cool the lavender simple syrup. Overall, you can have your refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make Lavender Simple Syrup:
Begin by making the lavender simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes. After steeping, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh sieve and allow the syrup to cool completely. You can store it in the refrigerator if you’re preparing ahead of time.
2. Prepare the Glass:
While your syrup is cooling, prepare your martini glass. Take a lemon wedge and gently rub it around the rim of the glass. Then, dip the rim into a shallow plate filled with coarse sugar to create a decorative and sweet rim. Set the glass aside as you mix your cocktail.
3. Mix the Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz of your prepared lavender simple syrup. Fill the shaker with plenty of ice cubes, and then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
4. Strain and Serve:
Once you’ve shaken your cocktail, strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass—be careful not to disturb the sugared rim!
5. Garnish:
To finish, add a thin lemon wheel on the rim of your glass and place a small sprig of fresh lavender into the drink. This adds a beautiful touch and a hint of aroma.
Enjoy the bright, floral notes of this lovely Lavender Lemon Drop Martini. Its pale purple hue and sugared rim make it perfect for special occasions or just a delightful evening at home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Lavender Instead of Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender, but you’ll need about three times as much as dried since the flavor is more concentrated in dried buds. Just remember to strain out the fresh buds after steeping for the syrup!
Can I Prepare This Martini in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the lavender simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just mix the cocktail ingredients when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy the fresh taste without the hassle!
What If I Don’t Have Coarse Sugar for the Rim?
No worries! If you don’t have coarse sugar on hand, granulated sugar works just as well. For a bit of extra flavor, consider mixing in a little lemon zest with the sugar for a citrusy twist!
How Should I Store Leftover Lavender Simple Syrup?
Store any leftover lavender simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about two weeks. Just give it a good shake before using, as it may settle over time.
