Sweet, tart and floral, the Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is the perfect springtime tipple.
Pretend that whatever time of year it is when you run across this piece of libation-inspired whimsy, it is spring. Snowing outside? In here, ’tis warm and wonderfully cool. A temperate wind blows across a vast green meadow, with silver-lined and fluffy clouds sailing softly overhead. The only sound you can hear is the distant seaside. Which direction, you wonder? Every single one.
The vibe is one of pure bliss. You’re wearing the finest, softest linens. The company you are keeping is the finest, keeping you smiling, happy and content. The sky above is blue, the gentle ocean you’ve been hearing and have finally come across is an even deeper royal blue than you could’ve imagined. Everything, from the weather, to the scent in the air, feels as though it could exist only in a fairy tale.
Lavender… all that fills your olfactory senses is the luscious and aromatic floral bouquet emanating from overwhelming, endless waves of the pale purple flower. Heavenly is the only word you can think of.
And when you stop and lay amongst the soft fields surrounding you, a coupe glass topped with a deep amaranthine liquid appears in your hand, one that gifts your lips with a citrusy sweetness and herbaceous bite, all while finishing with the flavor of lavender.
The Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is the creator of this perfect world, and all you need to escape to it is a sip or two…
What is the best vodka to use in a Lavender Lemon Drop Martini?
When choosing the best vodka for a Lavender Lemon Drop Martini, there are a few routes you can go. I’ll often suggest that you choose an unflavored, plain spirit, as to allow the flavors from the other ingredients to shine and assimilate with the vodka. Since lavender is a very prominent and forward note in this recipe, I’m going to recommend a citrus-based vodka, as it’ll cut through the floral taste that the lavender brings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- Lavender sprig or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
To Make The Lavender Simple Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, mix the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add 3 tablespoons dried culinary lavender. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the lavender steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the syrup into a clean container to remove the lavender buds. Let it cool completely before using it in the cocktail.
To Make The Lavender Lemon Drop:
- Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce of the cooled lavender simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lavender sprig or lemon twist.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a cocktail coupe or martini glass in your freezer for up to 30 minutes before pouring your drink in. Garnish with a lemon twist or a fresh sprig of lavender.
Is the Lavender Lemon Drop Martini an “official” martini?
An authentic Martini is comprised of gin and vermouth, then served up. Vodka is also a popular variation, but many purists debate if a Vodka Martini counts. I personally think it does.
Other martini-inspired cocktails worth trying
If you’re in the mood for a bright, fruity or otherwise flavorful or colorful tipple, but not feeling an actual Martini, then you may be interested in some popular ‘Tini-inspired recipes. Twist & Toast has quite the collection of these powerful and fun beverages, so check these out below and give them a spin at your next cocktail hour.
- Bikini Martini – Enjoy a lazy afternoon with this tropical and explosive elixir.
- Watermelon Martini – Crisp, sweet and fruity, this is one ‘Tini you’ll not soon forget.
- French Martini – This raspberry-tinged cocktail will have you singing ooh la la all night.
- Tay-Tini – Taylor Swift’s trendy take on the popular Cosmo.
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