The Bubble Bath cocktail is a light, fizzy drink with a playful name and a refreshing twist. It’s one of those cocktails that instantly brightens the mood-floral, citrusy, and topped with bubbles that make it feel extra special. I’ve made this drink countless times for warm-weather get-togethers, and it never fails to impress. It’s just the right balance of fancy and fun.
Bubble Bath
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glass: Champagne flute or coupe
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) lavender syrup – *or use rose or elderflower syrup for a different floral note*
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice – *fresh is key for the best flavor*
- 1 egg white (about 1 oz / 30 ml) – *for that signature frothy top*
- Splash of soda water – *or swap in champagne for a fancier version*
- Edible glitter or flower petals – *optional, for garnish*
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
Method
- In a shaker, combine the vodka, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and egg white.
- Give it a strong shake without ice first. This *”dry shake”* helps the egg white foam up nicely.
- Add a handful of ice and shake again until the outside of the shaker feels cold-about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.
- Top with a splash of soda water to give it that bubbly lift.
- Garnish with a pinch of edible glitter or a single flower petal for a pretty finish.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill your glass ahead of time so the drink stays cool and crisp.
- If you’re skipping the egg white, you’ll lose the foam-but it’ll still taste great. Try aquafaba (chickpea water) as a vegan alternative.
- Make your own lavender syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with dried lavender, then straining and cooling.
- Use fresh lemon juice-bottled just doesn’t give the same bright zing.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix everything except the egg white and soda water a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, add the egg white, shake, and finish with soda.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed right away, but you can store the pre-mixed base (without egg white or soda) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake before using.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs well with light, fresh bites. Here are a few ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Seafood: Think shrimp cocktail, oysters, or smoked salmon bites.
- Light appetizers: Goat cheese crostini, cucumber sandwiches, or bruschetta.
- Fruit-forward desserts: Lemon tart, berry pavlova, or fruit salad with mint.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio-it’s just so refreshing, and it always feels a little fancy without being fussy.
Variations to Try
Rosy Bubble Bath
- Swap lavender syrup for rose syrup
- Garnish with a rose petal for an elegant touch
Botanical Bubble Bath
- Use gin instead of vodka for a more herbal profile
- Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary as a garnish
Sparkling Bubble Bath
- Top with champagne instead of soda water
- Drop in a raspberry for color and a bit of tart sweetness
Virgin Bubble Bath
- Skip the vodka and use extra soda water or sparkling lemonade
- Still use lemon juice and syrup for flavor balance
Common Questions
Can I skip the egg white?
Yes! The egg white adds a creamy froth, but the drink still tastes great without it. You can also use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a plant-based option.
What’s a good lavender syrup substitute?
Try elderflower, rose, honey, or a homemade simple syrup infused with herbs like thyme or mint.
How do I get that perfect foam on top?
The key is the two-part shake. First shake without ice to build foam, then shake with ice to chill and dilute.
How can I make it sparkle?
Add a pinch of edible glitter or rim the glass with sugar for a shimmering finish.
Can I batch this for a party?
Definitely. Mix the vodka, syrup, lemon juice, and egg white (if using) in a pitcher. Shake individual servings with ice before pouring, then top each with soda or champagne.
Any seasonal twists?
Absolutely! Try pumpkin spice syrup in the fall, peppermint syrup in winter, or basil syrup in the summer for a fun seasonal spin.
Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something a little fancy, the Bubble Bath cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s light, lovely, and endlessly customizable. Cheers!
