This fun Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing drink that beautifully combines lemony zest with a hint of floral sweetness. Perfect for sunny days or special nights!
I love how easy it is to whip up this cocktail. Just shake, sip, and enjoy! It’s like a little spring garden party in a glass. Cheers to that! 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A good quality vodka is key for a smooth drink. If you’re avoiding alcohol, use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute or sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled. If lemons aren’t available, you could use bottled lemon juice, but it won’t be as vibrant.
Lavender Simple Syrup: Making your own syrup is simple and delicious. If lavender isn’t your thing, try a vanilla or honey simple syrup for a different touch. Just keep the amount the same!
Triple Sec or Cointreau: Both add sweetness and a hint of orange flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip it or replace it with an orange-flavored soda.
How Do You Effectively Make Lavender Simple Syrup?
Making the lavender simple syrup is an easy but essential step for this cocktail. Here’s how you can do it:
- Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan alongside dried lavender.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for about 20-30 minutes for the best flavor.
- Make sure to strain out the lavender buds before using the syrup in your cocktail.
- Let the syrup cool, and store any extras in the fridge for your next drink!
Having this syrup on hand opens up a world of cocktails. Store it well and enjoy it in other drinks like lemonades or teas!
Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Martini:
- 2 oz vodka (preferably a good quality vodka)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup (see below)
- 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- Ice cubes
- Sugar, for rimming the glass
- Lemon slice, for garnish
- Lavender sprig, for garnish
For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail will take about 10 minutes to prepare, including making the lavender simple syrup. Allow an additional 20-30 minutes for the syrup to steep and cool. Total time: approximately 30-40 minutes, but once you have the syrup ready, making the cocktail itself is quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Lavender Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Heat over medium heat until it comes to a gentle simmer. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once it’s simmering, remove from heat and let it steep for 20-30 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor. After steeping, strain out the lavender buds and let the syrup cool completely. You can store any leftover syrup in the refrigerator for future use.
2. Prepare the Glass:
To make your drink look extra special, start by preparing your glass. Take a lemon wedge and run it around the rim of a martini glass. Next, dip the rim into sugar to coat it evenly. Set the glass aside while you mix your cocktail.
3. Mix the Martini:
Now it’s time to shake things up! In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and triple sec. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
4. Strain and Serve:
Strain the chilled mixture into your prepared martini glass. Watch how the pretty colors come together as your drink takes shape!
5. Garnish:
For the finishing touch, garnish your cocktail with a lemon slice on the rim and add a small sprig of fresh lavender inside the glass or resting on the rim. It looks beautiful and adds an aromatic touch when you sip!
6. Enjoy!
Your elegant and refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is ready to be enjoyed. Sip slowly and take in the delightful balance of bright citrus and floral notes. Cheers! 🍸
FAQ – Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Different Types of Vodka?
Absolutely! While a good quality vodka is recommended for the best flavor, feel free to use your favorite vodka. You could also try flavored vodkas, such as citrus for an extra zing!
How Do I Make the Lavender Simple Syrup if I Don’t Have Dried Lavender?
If you don’t have dried lavender, you can use a store-bought lavender syrup or substitute it with another flavored syrup, like vanilla or honey. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference while keeping the same ratio of sugar and water if you’re making it from scratch.
Can I Make the Cocktail Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to serve this cocktail fresh for the best flavors, you can mix the vodka, lemon juice, and lavender syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake with ice when you’re ready to serve, and rim the glass at that time!
How Should I Store Leftover Lavender Simple Syrup?
Store any leftover lavender simple syrup in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a month, so you can enjoy it in other cocktails, teas, or desserts!
