This Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing drink perfect for warm days. With bright lemon flavors and a hint of floral lavender, it’s a treat for both the eyes and taste buds!
Making this drink is a breeze! I love shaking it up for friends to impress them—not that they need to know how simple it is! 🍋💜 Just mix, pour, and enjoy a fancy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A smooth vodka works best, but if you want to try something different, you could use gin for a herbal twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. I find a good quality vodka elevates the drink!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must for this recipe! However, if you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can do in a pinch. Just taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. I always prefer fresh because it gives a brighter flavor!
Lavender Simple Syrup: You can find pre-made lavender syrup, but it’s super easy to make your own! If lavender is hard to get, honey or agave syrup can work as sweeteners, though they won’t have the floral taste. Consider infusing with a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor!
Triple Sec: If you don’t have triple sec, try using any orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. For a non-alcoholic version, skip this ingredient and add a splash of orange juice instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sugar Rim on Your Glass?
Rimming your glass with sugar adds a nice touch and enhances the drink’s sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Take a fresh lemon wedge and run it around the rim of the glass. This helps the sugar stick.
- Pour coarse sugar (like sugar in the raw) onto a small plate. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for a pop of citrus flavor!
- Gently dip the rim of the glass into the sugar, making sure to coat it evenly. You can shake off any excess sugar.
This small detail makes your cocktail feel extra special, perfect for serving to guests or enjoying a virtual escape at home! Cheers!
Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka (preferably a smooth, neutral vodka)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 3/4 oz lavender simple syrup (see instructions below)
- 1/2 oz triple sec (orange liqueur)
- Ice cubes
- Coarse sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon slice and fresh lavender sprig (for garnish)
Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lavender Lemon Drop Martini takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, including making the lavender simple syrup. After mixing the ingredients, it’s ready to enjoy immediately. The longer you let the simple syrup steep, the more fragrant it becomes, but it’s still lovely even with minimal time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Lavender Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, remove it from the heat, add the dried lavender buds, cover, and let it steep for 15-20 minutes. After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds and let it cool before using.
2. Prepare the Glass:
Take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of your martini glass. Then, dip the rim into coarse sugar to coat it well. Set the glass aside so it’s ready for your cocktail!
3. Mix the Cocktail:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add in the vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and triple sec. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until everything is well chilled.
4. Serve:
Strain the cocktail into your sugar-rimmed martini glass. For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish your drink with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh lavender, if you have it. You can even sprinkle a few lavender buds on top for extra beauty!
Enjoy your beautifully fragrant and refreshing Lavender Lemon Drop Martini! Cheers!
FAQ About Easy Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Dried Lavender for This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to use culinary-grade dried lavender, which is safe to consume. Other types of lavender may not be suitable for cooking or drinks.
Can I Make the Lavender Simple Syrup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the lavender simple syrup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just give it a good shake before using, as it may separate a bit over time.
What If I Don’t Have Triple Sec? Can I Substitute It?
Certainly! If you don’t have triple sec, you can substitute it with any orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply omit it or use a splash of orange juice for a bit of sweetness and citrus flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail?
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a sealed container. Just remember that the ice might dilute the flavor when stored, so it’s ideal to shake and serve immediately!
