Welcome back to our "Garden Party Sippers" series, where we're exploring cocktails designed to enhance your outdoor gatherings this season. Last week we enjoyed the Garden Cucumber Spritz, and today we're elevating another classic with some aromatic garden inspiration.
THE COCKTAIL:
Today's feature is the "Lavender Lemon Collins" – a fragrant variation on the traditional Tom Collins that brings together the herbal notes of gin, the delicate perfume of lavender, the bright acidity of fresh lemon, and the effervescence of soda water.
DETAILED INGREDIENTS:
Lavender Lemon Collins
Ingredients
-Gin (2 oz): I recommend using a London Dry gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray for this cocktail. These gins have pronounced juniper and botanical notes that stand up beautifully to the lavender. If you prefer something softer, Bombay Sapphire works wonderfully with its more subtle profile. Avoid overly complex craft gins that might compete with our lavender star.
-Lavender Syrup (¾ oz): This is our key flavoring agent. You can purchase commercial lavender syrup from brands like Monin or Torani, but I prefer homemade. To make your own, combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds or 4-5 sprigs of fresh lavender. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, cool completely, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
-Fresh Lemon Juice (1 oz): Always use freshly squeezed juice – the bottled stuff simply won't do. One medium lemon typically yields about 1½ ounces of juice, so you'll need approximately one lemon per cocktail. The juice should be bright and vibrant, providing the perfect acidic balance to the sweet lavender notes.
-Soda Water (3-4 oz): Use a quality soda water with fine bubbles like Q Mixers. The carbonation should be lively but not overwhelming. Ensure it's well-chilled before using.
-Fresh Lavender Sprigs: For garnish. If fresh lavender isn't available, a lemon wheel and a few small edible flowers make a beautiful alternative.
-Ice: Both for mixing and serving. Use large, clear ice cubes for serving if possible – they melt more slowly and look more elegant in the glass.
Instructions
-Begin with your glassware: You'll want to use a Collins glass, which is tall and narrow, typically holding 10-12 ounces. If you don't have Collins glasses, any highball glass will work in a pinch. Chill the glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes before starting preparation.
-Add 2 ounces of your chosen gin to a cocktail shaker.
-Pour in ¾ ounce of lavender syrup. The syrup should coat the back of a spoon when properly made – not too thin, not too thick.
-Add 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
-Fill the shaker two-thirds full with ice cubes. Seal the shaker tightly.
-Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and cold to the touch. This proper dilution and chilling are crucial for balance.
-Remove your Collins glass from the freezer and fill it with fresh ice, preferably larger cubes that will melt more slowly.
-Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared glass using both a Hawthorne strainer (the one with the spring) and a fine mesh strainer to catch any small ice chips or lavender particles.
-Slowly top with 3-4 ounces of chilled soda water. Pour gently down the side of the glass to preserve as much carbonation as possible.
-For the garnish, take a fresh lavender sprig and gently slap it between your palms once to release the essential oils. Place it decoratively in the glass, allowing the purple buds to rise above the rim. If desired, add a thin wheel of lemon, carefully sliced from the center of the fruit for the most attractive presentation.
-Optionally, provide a stir stick or long spoon for guests to gently mix the drink before sipping.
SERVING SUGGESTION:
The Lavender Lemon Collins is best enjoyed in the early afternoon when the sun is high and the fragrance of the lavender can truly be appreciated. Serve it alongside light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or cucumber canapés.
If you're hosting a garden party, consider setting up a Collins station with the base mixture pre-batched (gin, lavender syrup, and lemon juice) in a pretty glass pitcher. Guests can pour over ice and add their own soda water and garnishes, allowing them to customize the strength to their preference.
VARIATIONS:
For guests who prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace the gin with additional soda water and a dash of lavender bitters to maintain complexity. You can also create a "Lavender Lemon Collins Royale" by substituting champagne for the soda water – perfect for celebratory occasions.
CLOSING:
The Lavender Lemon Collins captures the essence of spring with every sip – the botanical notes of the gin complemented by the soothing aroma of lavender and brightened by fresh lemon. It's sophisticated yet approachable, making it the perfect companion for afternoon gatherings as we move deeper into garden party season.
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]
Reminder: As always, enjoy responsibly and designate a driver if you're out and about sampling these delightful creations.