Lavender Lemon Drop

What is a Lemon Drop?

The classic lemon drop martini is made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. It's served straight up (no ice) in a chilled glass and is best when it's super cold.

It's a classic because it has the perfect balance of sweet and sour and it's pretty easy to make. Sometimes triple sec is used as well for an extra citrus punch, but I prefer the drink without it.

How to Make a Lavender Lemon Drop

My lavender version of this classic cocktail uses homemade lavender simple syrup instead of regular simple syrup. You can also use a pre-made lavender syrup like this one from Monin, but I prefer the homemade version.

This cocktail is best when served very cold so chill your cocktail glass before preparing and serving this drink (see notes on chilling glassware). Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with fresh ice.

Shake until nice and cold, about 10-15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a fresh sprig of lavender or a lemon twist.

How to Make Lavender Syrup

Lavender simple syrup is very easy to make, you just need sugar, water, and culinary lavender buds. Check out my full tutorial and recipe for Lavender Simple Syrup and you can have it on hand for this cocktail, other lavender drinks, and more fun recipes. Lavender simple syrup lasts 3-4 weeks in a sealed container in the fridge. For more ideas, check out my 10 Uses for Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup, and you might also like my Honey Lavender Syrup.

How to Chill a Cocktail Glass

There are a few ways to chill a cocktail glass. One is to freeze it in the freezer. 30 minutes is best but at least 5 minutes will get it nice and cold. Some people wrap the glass with a damp paper towel first, speeding up the process.

Another way to chill a cocktail glass is to use crushed ice and soda water. The bubbles speed up the chilling process. But, if you don't have soda water, regular water will work, just not quite as well.

How to Garnish this Lavender Drink

To get the same experience at home as you would in a bar, make sure you garnish your drink. Not only does this give the finishing touch to your creation, but in some cases, it enhances the drink either with aroma or flavor.

For a Lavender Lemon Drop, you can garnish the drink with a fresh lavender sprig or a lemon peel. Both options will enhance the aroma of the cocktail.

Another garnish option shown in the photo above is a dried or dehydrated lemon slice. You can make these in the oven or dehydrator. Check out my recipe for Dehydrated Oranges and use lemons instead!

How to Add a Sugar Rim

Plain sugar or lavender sugar both make a great rim for a lavender lemon drop martini. Dip the rim of your chilled glass in water, then dip it in the sugar before pouring in the cocktail.

How to Make Lavender Sugar

Flavor-infused sugars are easy to make and can change your baking game in the kitchen! To make lavender sugar, all you need is a small coffee or nut grinder or a food processor.

Add ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds to the grinder or processor and pulse to combine. Place it in a sealable container and allow it to sit. The longer it sits, the more flavor will infuse the sugar.

Make a Batch for a Party

This lavender lemon drop martini is perfect for brunch or garden parties. You can mix a batch ahead of time and keep it chilled until you are ready to serve. For the best temperature, shake each drink with a few ice cubes for 8-10 seconds before enjoying.

Variations to Try

• Different spirits: citrus vodka, vanilla vodka, or gin all work in place of plain vodka.
• Mocktail: mix lavender syrup and fresh lemon juice, then top with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.

Love lavender cocktails? Try my Lavender Pisco Sour and Blueberry Lavender Cocktail too!

Recipe FAQs

Expert Tips for Making a Lavender Lemon Cocktail

• Always measure out your ingredients to get the best-tasting cocktail.
• If you want a less-sweet cocktail, add ½ ounce more lemon juice and use ½ ounce less lavender simple syrup.
• For the best result, chill your glass ahead of time in the freezer or with bubbly ice water.
• A coupe or martini glass will work best with this cocktail.

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