This Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing twist on a classic drink. With zesty lemons and a hint of floral lavender, it’s perfect for any occasion!
Making them is a breeze! I love how this drink looks all pretty in a glass—it’s like sunshine! Plus, it feels fancy without being hard to whip up. Cheers to that! 🍋💜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A smooth, neutral vodka works best here, as it lets the lemon and lavender shine. If you’re looking for a change, you can try flavored vodka like lemon or citrus for an extra zing.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must for that vibrant taste. You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh will give a brighter flavor. Adjust the amount based on how tart you like your drinks.
Lavender Simple Syrup: This syrup is key to bringing in that lovely floral note. If you don’t have dried lavender, you can substitute with honey or a different herbal syrup, but you’ll miss that unique lavender flavor.
Triple Sec: Any orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be used. If you want a non-alcoholic version, just skip this ingredient and use a splash of orange juice instead.
How Do You Make the Perfect Lavender Simple Syrup?
The lavender simple syrup is easy and adds such a delightful touch. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. This balance gives the syrup the right sweetness.
- Add dried culinary lavender and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir until the sugar dissolves, which takes just a few minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for the lavender flavor to infuse.
- Strain out the lavender flowers using a fine mesh sieve. Allow the syrup to cool before using it.
Store any leftover syrup in the fridge for up to a month—perfect for other cocktails or even tea!
Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz vodka (preferably a smooth, neutral vodka)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup (see instructions below)
- 1/2 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Coarse sugar or granulated sugar, for rimming the glass
- Lemon wheel or slice, for garnish
- Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish (optional)
For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the cocktail and an additional 15 minutes to make the lavender simple syrup, plus some cooling time. In total, you’ll spend about 25-30 minutes to have this delightful drink ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Lavender Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and dried lavender. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, remove it from the heat and let it steep for about 15 minutes so the lavender can infuse its flavor. After steeping, strain out the lavender using a fine mesh sieve and let the syrup cool completely.
2. Prepare the Glass:
Take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of your martini glass to help the sugar stick. Then, dip the rim into coarse sugar until it’s evenly coated. Set the glass aside while you mix the drink.
3. Mix the Martini:
In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, triple sec, and a generous amount of ice cubes. Shake it all together vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker feels cold. This will chill the drink perfectly!
4. Strain and Serve:
Carefully strain the mixture into the prepared sugar-rimmed martini glass. You should see a lovely pale purple-pink color. For a beautiful finish, garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim and if you like, add a sprig of fresh lavender for that extra touch!
5. Enjoy!
Sip and savor the bright citrus notes balanced with the gentle floral lavender flavor. It’s a perfect drink for spring or summer gatherings, or just a lovely treat for yourself. Cheers!
This recipe makes one cocktail, but you can easily adjust the ingredients to serve more friends. Enjoy the delightfully refreshing and aromatic experience of your Lavender Lemon Drop Martini!
FAQ for Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Store-Bought Lavender Simple Syrup?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought lavender simple syrup can work just fine. Just adjust the quantity according to your taste, as some brands may be sweeter than others.
What if I Can’t Find Culinary Lavender?
No worries! If you can’t find culinary lavender, you can use honey or a different herbal syrup as a substitute, but expect a different flavor profile. For a more floral taste, consider adding a small amount of lavender extract instead (just a few drops!).
How Should I Store Leftover Lavender Simple Syrup?
Store any leftover lavender simple syrup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one month. Before using it again, give it a good shake to mix everything up. It’s great for making future cocktails or sweetening teas!
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and triple sec. You can replace them with lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing, alcohol-free beverage that still captures the flavor of the lavender and lemon.
