If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know by now that Zane and I have gotten really into gardening this summer. While it’s definitely been a learning process, we have had a good amount of success, particularly with lavender and mint. Our lavender and mint beds have literally been overflowing, and so I wanted to create a summery, from-the-garden cocktail using these two abundant herbs.
I created this easy drinking, herbaceous champagne cocktail using lavender simple syrup and a very generous amount of fresh mint. Both my sisters-in-law were fans right away, and helped themselves to a second round. It is summer in a glass, and the champagne/lavender mix reminds me of the south of France. Recipe is outlined below, and it’s best enjoyed while the sun is shining.
LAVENDER & MINT SPRITZ
For the lavender simple syrup:
3 tablespooons fresh or dried lavender
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
Add lavender to water and bring to a boil. Next add in the sugar and mix until dissolved. Once sugar is dissolved, let simmer for 15 minutes, and then remove pot from stove and let cool for at least an hour. Voila!
This syrup will last for 2 weeks in the fridge, and can be used in both drinks and cooking.
For the cocktail:
Champagne
Vodka
Fresh mint
Lavender simple syrup
Ice
Take a large glass and fill half with ice (I used a red wine glass). Pour in the champagne, just enough to cover the ice. Add in a generous amount of mint and stir (I used 4 sprigs). Add 1 ounce of vodka, and stir some more. Next add in the lavender simple syrup. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste. I used 1 full teaspoon, and it was just enough to give it an essence of lavender without being overpowering. Garnish with a fresh sprig of lavender, and enjoy!
I’m a big fan of this garden cocktail and will definitely be making more throughout the summer. The simple syrup is insanely delicious, but in the cocktail gives just a hint of lavender. As someone who is normally averse to any sort of sweetener in my drinks, this cocktail is light and herbaceous, just the way I like it. Now I need to find ways to use the rest of my simple syrup over the next two weeks. Do you have any favourite lavender recipes? Let me know in the comments below, and what you think of this cocktail! xx
