There’s something effortlessly elegant about a Lavender Martini. Light, floral, and just the right amount of citrusy tartness-it’s the kind of cocktail that feels fancy without being fussy. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress, whether I’m hosting friends or just winding down on a warm evening.
Lavender Martini
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Martini or coupe glass
Make-ahead tip: You can make the lavender syrup up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge.
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin – choose one with floral or citrus notes for best flavor
– 1 oz (30 ml) lavender syrup – homemade or store-bought
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice – freshly squeezed makes a difference
– Ice – a generous handful for shaking
– Fresh lavender sprig – optional, for garnish
How to Make It
- Chill your glass. Pop your martini or coupe glass into the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass keeps your drink crisp.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Use enough to cool everything down quickly.
- Add the gin, lavender syrup, and lemon juice. Pour everything right over the ice in your shaker.
- Shake it like you mean it. About 15 seconds should do the trick. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels icy-cold in your hands.
- Strain into your chilled glass. Use a fine mesh strainer if you want a super smooth pour.
- Garnish with a lavender sprig. This adds a lovely aroma as you sip. If you don’t have fresh lavender, a thin strip of lemon peel works too.
Homemade Lavender Syrup
If you’ve never made your own lavender syrup, it’s super easy and adds amazing flavor.
You’ll need:
– 1 cup (240 ml) water
– 1 cup (200 g) sugar
– 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender or 3 tablespoons fresh lavender flowers
To make:
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the lavender.
- Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Cover and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain out the lavender and let the syrup cool.
- Store in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tips for the Best Lavender Martini
- Go easy on the syrup. Lavender can be strong. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness.
- Shake, don’t stir. You want this cocktail icy-cold and well mixed.
- Chill everything. From the glass to the gin-cold ingredients make a smoother sip.
Serving Suggestions
This martini pairs beautifully with light bites. Here are a few of my go-to snacks for cocktail hour:
Goat Cheese Crostini
The creamy tang of goat cheese brings out the floral notes in the drink.
Grilled Chicken Skewers
The savory char from the grill balances the sweet and citrusy flavors.
Berry Tartlets
Fresh berries and pastry make a lovely finish that highlights the lavender’s sweetness.
Variations to Try
Lavender Lemon Drop
– Add a splash of simple syrup for extra sweetness
– Serve in a sugar-rimmed glass for a bright, zesty twist
Lavender Blueberry Martini
– Muddle a few fresh blueberries in the shaker
– Use vodka instead of gin
– Adds a burst of color and a fruity layer
Lavender Honey Martini
– Swap syrup for lavender-infused honey
– Top with a splash of club soda for a bubbly finish
– It’s floral, lightly sweet, and refreshing
Mocktail Version
– Mix 1 oz (30 ml) lavender syrup, 1/2 oz (15 ml) lemon juice, and 3 oz (90 ml) club soda over ice
– Garnish with a lavender sprig or lemon twist
– Light, fizzy, and just as relaxing
Common Questions
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Absolutely. Vodka gives a cleaner, more neutral base. It’s great if you want the lavender to really shine.
How can I make it less sweet?
Cut the lavender syrup down to 1/2 oz (15 ml), or use a naturally sweetened version like lavender honey.
What gin works best?
Look for a gin with floral or citrus-forward notes-Hendrick’s or Bombay Sapphire are great choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the gin, syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher and refrigerate. Shake individual servings with ice just before pouring.
What if I don’t have fresh lavender?
Dried culinary lavender works for syrup, but skip it as a garnish-it can be bitter and overpowering.
Storage Tips
– Store leftover lavender syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
– Pre-mixed cocktails (without ice) can be kept chilled for a few hours before serving.
– Always garnish just before serving for the freshest aroma.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights-light, floral, and just a little fancy. Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or serving a crowd, the Lavender Martini brings a little calm and a lot of charm to any occasion. Cheers!
