The enthralling aroma of blooming lavender, mingling freely with the balmy sea air, became the muse for crafting the exquisite Lavender Bitters Cocktail.

Imagine: a delicate fusion of botanical gin and the enchanting essence of lavender bitters, caressing the senses with every fragrant sip, transporting you to a tranquil Italian landscape, where time seems to stand still. A touch of Sicily, in a glass, that blooms with reminiscent and floral notes – I mean, what more could you want?

Personally, I think this classic gin cocktail is one of the best sour cocktail recipes there is!

What You Need for This Traditional Gin Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin
• 0.5 oz Lavender Simple Syrup (see note below)
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 
• 1-2 dashes of Lavender Bitters
• Sparkling Water or club soda (optional)
• Fresh Lavender Sprig (for garnish)
• Lemon Twist (for garnish)

Lavender Simple Syrup (as an alternative for Lavender syrup:

• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 tbsp Dried Culinary Lavender (lavender buds)

Yep, that’s it!

Alternative Ingredients:

• Lime juice 
• Tonic water or club soda
• Honey syrup 
• Orange bitters
• Orange peels

Substitute the gin:

• Vodka 
• Elderflower liqueur (for a more unique flavor)
• Tequila (for a lavender margarita)

How to Make Lavender Bitters

Ready to make one of the best delicious cocktails?

How to Make This Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and dried lavender. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 2: Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, then remove it from the heat and allow the lavender to steep for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Place strainer over a bowl (use a fine mesh strainer), remove the lavender and allow the syrup to cool before use – alternatively, just double strain it with a normal strain.

Tip: Taste it and adjust the cocktail with an ounce of lemon juice based on your sweetness and acidity preferences as the syrup will be really sweet.

How to Make Lavender Bliss Cocktail

Step 4: Fill a glass with fresh ice to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Step 5: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes, combine gin, lavender simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and lavender bitters.

Step 6: Gently stir for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled, then empty the ice from your serving glass and strain the mixed ingredients into it.

That’s it! Top & garnish it with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy lift or garnish with a fresh lavender sprig, rose petals, orange peel or a twist of lemon.For an even better presentation, add a stirrer and savor the floral bitter, and refreshing notes of your Lavender Bliss Cocktail!

Expert Tips

As with any cocktail choosing the right alcohol is crucial – so, for this one opt for a gin with a floral aroma or citrus-forward botanical profile to complement the lavender, such as: Lavender bee’s knees (a lavender gin)

Alternatively, you can also use any of these:

Floral Gins:

• Hendrick’s Gin
• The Botanist
• Bloom Premium London Dry Gin

Cirusy Gins:

• Tanqueray No. Ten 
• Malfy Gin Con Limone
• Chase GB Gin

For the lavender bitters, if you don’t want to or can’t make the strong lavender syrup, opt for high-quality lavender bitters. 

What to Serve Lavender Bitters With

The cocktails’ floral and citrus notes pair well with most types of dishes, which is why it’s a popular choice for brunches, garden parties, and even evening parties with a happy hour.

Here are some ideas what to serve it with:

Appetizers:

• Cheese boards
• Bruschetta
• Olive tapenade

Main courses:

• Grilled fish
• Chicken piccata 
• Vegetarian pasta

Salads:

• Citrus salad
• Caprese salad

Desserts:

• Lemon tart
• Pavlova
• Lavender shortbread cookies
• Cannoli 

Light bites:

• Shrimp cocktail
• Goat cheese and fig crostini
• Cucumber sandwiches
• Smoked salmon bagels
• Lemon ricotta pancakes 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You’ve got questions? We’ve got the answers!

Can I make my own lavender bitters for the cocktail?

Absolutely, homemade lavender bitters can bring a personalized touch to your cocktail. Combine dried lavender flowers with a high-proof spirit, such as vodka, and allow it to infuse for several weeks. Additional botanicals like lemon peel, chamomile, or juniper berries can also be added for complexity.

How do I make a non-alcoholic version of a Lavender Bitters Cocktail?

For a mocktail version, substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic gin or simply omit it. Replace the lavender bitters with a homemade lavender syrup, made by simmering sugar, water, and dried lavender, to maintain the fragrant, floral element without the alcohol content.

How do I make lavender sugar rim for my Lavender Bitters Cocktail?

Create a lavender sugar rim by combining finely ground dried lavender with granulated sugar. Wet the rim of your cocktail glass with a lemon wedge and gently dip it into the lavender sugar mixture. This enhances the presentation and adds an extra layer of flavor to every sip.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of lavender bitters in the cocktail recipe?

Yes, fresh lavender can be used as an alternative. Incorporate it by muddling gently with the gin or creating a lavender simple syrup. While the flavor may be milder than bitters, fresh lavender will impart a delightful and authentic floral essence to your cocktail.

Anna Dykeman

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Ingredients

  

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin
• 0.5 oz Lavender Simple Syrup see note below
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1-2 dashes Lavender Bitters
• Sparkling Water optional
• Fresh Lavender Sprig for garnish

Lemon Twist (for garnish)

• Lavender Simple Syrup:
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 tbsp Dried Culinary Lavender

Instructions

 

How to make Lavender Simple Syrup

• In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and dried lavender. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, then remove it from the heat and allow the lavender to steep for 15-20 minutes.
• Use a fine mesh strainer, remove the lavender and allow the syrup to cool before use.

Tip: Taste it and adjust the cocktail with lemon juice based on your sweetness and acidity preferences as the syrup will be really sweet.

How to Make Lavender Bliss Cocktail

• Fill a glass with ice to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
• In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine gin, lavender simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and lavender bitters.
• Gently stir for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled, then empty the ice from your serving glass and strain the mixed ingredients into it.

Top & garnish it with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy lift or garnish with a fresh lavender sprig and a twist of lemon.