Looking to switch thing up a bit? Based off of the classic cocktail, this lavender gin and tonic is super refreshing and delicious! It uses an easy homemade lavender simple syrup that blends perfectly with the botanicals in gin.
The heart of this cocktail is in the lavender simple syrup, which is very quick and easy to make. Just like any other homemade simply syrup, boil 1 part water with 1 part sugar. But, this time just add about 1 teaspoon of dried lavender (depending on the amount you are making.)
When using lavender for any culinary use, it is best to use it in small amounts. Some people find it to have a soapy flavor, but when used correctly it just adds a very subtle floral flavor. It plays more of harmony than a melody with this gin cocktail.
Doing it this way doesn't yield that perfect purple color like some store bought lavender simple syrups, but that is usually just artificial dye. If you want the purple color you can use empress gin, which has a vibrant purple color due to it's use of butterfly pea blossom.
The gin and tonic is such a simple cocktail, so it's really worth it to get a decent quality gin. I like a well balanced gin with citrus and juniper for this cocktail, such as Hadley & Sons. Any tonic will work, but Fever-tree's mediterranean tonic works especially well with it's hints of lemon and thyme. It's a bit lighter without quite as much of a tonic punch.
This is a great summer cocktail to serve at a backyard party with some light appetizers before the main meal, try artichoke carpaccio or cucumber beetroot salad.
Key Ingredients
- Gin
- Tonic
- Lavender
- Lime or Lemon
Full ingredient list below
Top Tip
Don't boil the simple syrup with dried lavender too long, you don't want it to become to fragrant and soapy tasting.
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Lavender Gin and Tonic
Nutrition
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender
Lavender Gin and Tonic
- ½ oz lavender simple syrup
- 2 oz gin
- 4 oz tonic water, (fever-tree mediterranean works well)
- Fresh lavender bud and lime wedge, (to serve)
Instructions
- To make the lavender simple syrup, add the water, sugar, and dried lavender to a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes, then, using a mesh sieve, strain into a jar and let cool.
- To prepare the cocktail, add ice to a collins glass and pour in the lavender simple syrup, gin, and tonic. Give it a stir and garnish with fresh lavender and lime.
Video
Notes
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Food Safety
- Cook meat to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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