Lavender Lemon Spring Cocktail

Today I want to share with you my very favorite cocktail recipe. It is lovely Spring cocktail that is based off an old cocktail recipe called the Aviation. The Aviation cocktail was new to me until a few years ago when I first tried what was called a Lavender Lemon Drop at a nearby restaurant. This pretty purple concoction was so delicious I ordered a second one! After getting the server to tell me what was in it, I went home determined to recreate it. The pretty purple color came from a delicious Creme de Violette liqueur which was also new to me. Some further research brought the original Aviation drink to attention which I realized was very similar to the drink I had minus the Maraschino liqueur. With a little work I was able to make this delicious drink that I call the Lavender Lemon Spring Cocktail. And this drink is Spring in a glass!

The Lavender Lemon Spring Cocktail is both sweet and floral. If you are unsure about florals in a drink Creme de Violet is a good place to start because it is a mild floral. In fact, it quickly became my new favorite in our liquor cabinet with its sweet taste and pretty color. I haven’t experimented as much with this liqueur as I would have liked to. However, if this yummy drink is the only reason to buy it then that is enough. But please don’t leave it out because it is essential to this cocktail.

lavender lemon spring cocktail

For 1 drink:

3 tbsps. of fresh-squeezed lemon juice (I do recommend fresh squeezed here; bottled is not as good)

1/2 cup of gin (You can use plain gin or lavender gin; I have used both. It just depends on how much lavender you want. A nice, smooth gin works well, and it doesn’t need to be expensive.)

1 tbsp. of Creme de Violette liqueur (don’t leave this out- I used this brand here)

3 tsps. (or to suit) of lavender simple syrup (below)

Lavender sugar (below)

Optional: edible, pesticide-free pansies or violets

Rub glass with lemon wedge around the rim and dip in lavender sugar (below). Combine lemon juice, gin, Creme de Violet in shaker or jar and shake with ice. Strain ice from drink and pour into sugar-simmer glass. Enjoy!

Lavender Simple Syrup

1/2 cup of water

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup of dried lavender

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer until sugar is dissolved. Let sit and cool for an hour. Strain lavender out of syrup and store in container in fridge.

Note on lavender: Dried French blue lavender was used for this recipe which gave it the deep purple color. Different lavenders will have different results in color and intensity. If the color is brown and not to your liking then add a drop or two of purple food coloring.

Lavender Sugar

1/2 sugar

1 tsp. of dried lavender

Blend ingredients together in food processor. Ready to use.

Have a beautiful day!

No monies received from affiliates. All opinions are my own.