The gorgeous purple color and fragrant aroma of lavender make these drinks feel extra special. They are not just tasty. They are a treat for the eyes too. Adding lavender to your cocktails is an easy way to turn your home bar into a creative playground.
If you are looking for the best lavender cocktail recipes to try, you are in the right place. It does not matter if you are a seasoned pro or just starting out with cocktails. There is something here for everyone. You will even find alcohol-free options if that is more your style. These recipes are simple to follow and will help you whip up drinks that look and taste amazing. So grab your shaker and start creating your new favorite cocktail.
What Makes Lavender a Perfect Cocktail Ingredient?
Lavender brings something truly special to cocktails. Its floral and slightly sweet flavor adds a layer of depth and character that makes every sip feel unique.
This versatile ingredient works beautifully with citrus, herbs, and the botanicals in many spirits. It is no surprise that mixologists love it because it opens up so many creative possibilities.
There are plenty of ways to use lavender in your drinks. You can try dried flowers, lavender syrup, bitters, or even lavender-infused spirits. Just remember, a little goes a long way. Too much can make your drink taste overpowering or soapy, so it is best to keep it subtle.
If you are just getting started, adding a splash of lavender syrup to classic drinks is a great way to experiment. It can give a gin and tonic a lovely floral twist or take a margarita to the next level.
For a refreshing option, try mixing lavender with mint and rum. This creates a fun twist on a mojito. Or, if you are in the mood for something bubbly, add a touch of lavender syrup to champagne for an elegant and easy-to-make aperitif.
Balancing lavender’s floral flavor with other ingredients is the key to a great cocktail. Pair it with lemon, honey, or berries for a taste that feels well-rounded and not too floral.
Take your time exploring the different ways to use lavender. Each one has its own charm and can bring something unique to your drinks. Have fun experimenting and discovering your favorite combinations.
Best Lavender Cocktail Recipes
Lavender is the perfect way to add a floral twist to your favorite cocktails. Whether you want something light and refreshing for a sunny day or a drink with a touch of elegance for an evening gathering, these recipes are sure to impress.
Lavender Blueberry Bees Knees
This classic cocktail gets a fun upgrade with lavender and blueberries. The sweet, tart, and floral flavors blend beautifully, making it perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
Start by infusing gin with fresh or frozen blueberries for at least 20 minutes. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon wheel or fresh blueberries.
Lavender Margarita
Lavender complements tequila's herbal and earthy notes in this unique twist on a classic margarita. The citrus, lavender, and agave create a balanced and refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila or mezcal
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz triple sec
- ½ oz lavender simple syrup
- Ice
- Salt for rimming (optional)
Rim a glass with salt if desired. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with a lime wheel.
Try using mezcal for a smoky variation or lavender bitters if you don't have syrup on hand.
GET THE LAVENDER MARGARITA RECIPE
Lavender French 75
This champagne-based classic gets a floral upgrade with lavender. The sweetness balances the tart lemon and gin botanicals, creating a luxurious cocktail for celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz lavender simple syrup
- Chilled champagne
- Lemon twist or lavender sprig for garnish
Shake gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with chilled champagne. Garnish and enjoy!
Lavender Gin Sour
This creamy, citrusy cocktail gets an elegant boost from lavender. The egg white creates a silky texture, while lavender adds a beautiful aroma.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz lavender simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Ice
- Dried lavender for garnish
Dry shake all ingredients without ice to create foam. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with dried lavender.
Try adding orange bitters or using a lavender-forward gin for variations.
Lavender Collins
This light and fizzy drink puts a floral spin on the classic Tom Collins. It's refreshing and perfect for casual outdoor parties or barbecues.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz lavender simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Soda water
- Ice
- Lemon slice for garnish
Shake gin, lavender syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon slice.
Lavender Old Fashioned
This twist on the classic Old Fashioned brings together warm, herbal, and subtle floral flavors. The lavender-infused whiskey and bitters create a drink that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Ingredients:
Combine whiskey, lavender syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with an orange peel.
Lavender Champagne Cocktail
This elegant drink enhances the simple champagne cocktail with a touch of lavender. It's perfect for romantic dinners, bridal showers, or anniversaries.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 4-5 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist or fresh lavender sprig for garnish
Shake lavender syrup and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with chilled champagne. Garnish for a sophisticated touch.
Lavender Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic Option)
This refreshing mocktail is perfect for all ages and easy to customize. It features a bright citrus base with subtle lavender sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 6 oz chilled sparkling or still water
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and lavender sprig for garnish
Combine lavender syrup and lemon juice in a glass. Add ice and top with water. Stir gently and garnish.
Try adding sparkling water or fresh mint for extra complexity.
Lavender Gin Fizz
This upgraded classic gin cocktail features a frothy texture, floral aroma, and citrus notes. It's best served in a tall Collins glass with a dried lavender garnish.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz lavender simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- 2 oz soda water
- Ice
- Dried lavender or lemon wheel for garnish
Dry shake gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, and egg white for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a highball glass without ice. Top with soda water and garnish.
Lavender Sidecar
The Lavender Sidecar is a fresh twist on the classic 1920s Cognac cocktail. It has just the right mix of sweet, citrusy, and floral flavors. The smooth richness of Cognac or brandy pairs perfectly with the bright kick of lemon juice and the soft, sweet touch of lavender. It is an elegant drink that is perfect for evening gatherings or whenever you want something a little extra special.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cognac or brandy
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz lavender simple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Combine Cognac, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Lavender Lemon Drop Martini
The Lemon Drop Martini gets a beautiful twist with lavender, turning it into something truly special. It mixes the bright tartness of fresh lemon with the soft sweetness of lavender for a flavor that feels balanced and refreshing. The sugared rim adds just the right hint of sweetness, making this cocktail perfect for dinner parties or catching up with friends. It is simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz triple sec or Cointreau
- ½ oz lavender simple syrup
- Ice
- Sugar for rim (optional)
- Lemon wheel for garnish
If you want to add a little extra sweetness, start by moistening the rim of your martini glass with lemon juice, then dip it in sugar. Next, combine vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and lavender simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled. Strain into the prepared martini glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Lavender & Earl Grey Brandy Sour
The Lavender and Earl Grey Brandy Sour is a delightful mix of tea and floral flavors. It blends the smooth richness of brandy with the tangy brightness of lemon and the soft, subtle touch of lavender. This cocktail feels both unique and sophisticated, making it a lovely choice for afternoon teas or any elegant gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz brandy or Cognac
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz Earl Grey simple syrup*
- 1 egg white
- 2 dashes lavender bitters
- Ice
- Dried lavender or lemon peel for garnish
Dry shake brandy, lemon juice, Earl Grey simple syrup, egg white, and bitters to create a silky foam. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with dried lavender or a lemon peel.
*To make Earl Grey simple syrup: Steep 2-3 Earl Grey tea bags in a cup of boiling water. Remove the bags, stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved, and let cool.
Strawberry Lavender Mojito
This refreshing twist on the classic Cuban mojito combines mint, strawberries, and lavender for a fruity, floral delight. Perfect for warm days or festive occasions, you can also switch up the berries or add sparkling wine for variety.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz lavender simple syrup
- 3-4 strawberries
- 8-10 mint leaves
- Soda water
- Ice
- Strawberry slice and mint sprig for garnish
Muddle strawberries and mint leaves in a shaker. Add rum, lime juice, and lavender syrup, then fill with ice and shake well. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a strawberry slice and mint sprig.
Healthy Habit Lavender Cocktail
The Healthy Habit Lavender Cocktail is a fresh and creative option for anyone looking to mix things up. It combines beet juice, kombucha, and lavender for a unique blend of earthy, floral, and zesty flavors. This vibrant drink is perfect for adventurous sippers who want something delicious and a little more wholesome.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz gin
- ¾ oz lavender simple syrup
- 1 oz beet juice
- ¾ oz lime juice
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 oz kombucha (any flavor)
- Ice
- Beet slice or lavender sprig for garnish
Combine gin, lavender simple syrup, beet juice, lime juice, and cayenne pepper in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a coupe glass. Top with kombucha and garnish with a beet slice or lavender sprig for a bold presentation.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
Lavender simple syrup is a simple and delightful way to add a floral twist to your drinks. Here is how you can make it at home.
You will need water, sugar, and dried lavender buds. The recipe is easy to remember with one cup of water, one cup of sugar, and one tablespoon of lavender.
Start by combining the water, sugar, and lavender in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the mixture starts to simmer, take it off the heat.
Let the syrup sit for about thirty minutes to allow the lavender flavor to infuse. Give it a taste as it steeps to make sure the flavor is just how you like it.
Once it is cool, strain out the lavender buds using a fine-mesh strainer. Pour the syrup into a clean jar or bottle and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
For the best flavor, use your lavender syrup within two weeks.
When you are ready to add it to your drinks, start with a small amount. Lavender has a bold flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Want to mix things up? Try adding a bit of lemon zest or a vanilla bean while the syrup steeps. These simple additions can bring a whole new flavor to your creations and make your cocktails even more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Cocktails
What kind of lavender is best for cocktails?
When it comes to cocktails, always go for culinary-grade lavender. English lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a great pick because of its sweet, floral flavor that works beautifully in drinks.
Avoid ornamental lavender, which can have unpleasant flavors or even harmful chemicals. You can find culinary-grade lavender at specialty stores, online, or at your local farmer’s market.
Is lavender safe for cocktails?
Yes, culinary-grade lavender is completely safe to use in your drinks. Just make sure to avoid lavender that isn’t labeled as culinary, since it might be treated with pesticides or contain other harmful compounds.
Steer clear of using lavender essential oils in cocktails. They’re too strong and usually not food-safe.
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender in cocktail recipes?
Absolutely. Fresh lavender works beautifully in cocktails, although it is less concentrated than dried lavender. You will need about two to three times as much fresh lavender to achieve the same flavor.
Make sure your fresh lavender is culinary-grade and thoroughly washed. As a bonus, it also makes a lovely garnish for your drinks.
How can I prevent lavender from making my cocktails taste soapy or bitter?
The trick is to use lavender sparingly. Its flavor can be intense, so balance it with other ingredients like citrus, honey, or herbs to keep your cocktail smooth and enjoyable.
When making lavender syrups or infusions, steep the lavender for a short time and taste it as you go. This way, you can stop before the flavor becomes overpowering.
How should I store lavender simple syrup, and how long does it last?
Keep your lavender syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about two weeks.
If it starts to look cloudy or smells off, it’s time to toss it. For longer storage, pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze it. That way, you can use it one cube at a time whenever you need.
What spirits pair well with lavender in cocktails?
Gin is a natural partner for lavender. Its botanical notes blend perfectly with lavender’s floral taste. Vodka also works well, giving you a neutral base that really lets the lavender flavor shine.
Tequila and lavender are another great pairing, with their earthy tones working together beautifully. Whiskey brings depth and warmth, while champagne adds an elegant, bubbly touch to lavender-infused cocktails.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try infusing spirits with lavender or adding a few drops of lavender bitters. These little touches can take your cocktails to the next level and create flavors that are truly unforgettable.
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