Lavender Lemon Tom Collins
I used to not be into lavender anything. Not the scent of it, and certainly not the taste. But it's funny how your palette changes as you get older, though. Soft, floral flavors have grown on me and I think they lend themselves especially well to cocktails. I wanted to do a variation on lavender lemonade for the warmer Summer months and I instantly thought of the Tom Collins.
The Tom Collins might be my favorite gin cocktail, even over the classic G&T (gin + tonic). It ticks all my cocktail prerequisite boxes: gin-based, not too sweet, a little citrus action, and lots of effervescence. The addition of lightly-floral and aromatic lavender simple syrup adds such a nice compliment to the rest of the flavors happening. It's not too strong or overwhelming so don't be nervous if you associate lavender with potpourri like I used to. It just adds a nice somethin'-somethin' in the background. Since this is the perfect recipe to make for a backyard get-together, I also included a recipe for making it into a big 'ole pitcher!
And if gin isn't your thing, you could totally swap in vodka. It won't technically be a collins but it'll still be delicious! Or wanna skip the alcohol altogether? Do it! You'll end up with a tasty sparkling lavender lemonade. YUM.
Lavender Lemon Tom Collins
serves 1
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz lavender simple syrup (recipe below)
sparkling water, to top glass
lemon slice, to garnish
lavender sprig, to garnish
lavender simple syrup
1 c water
1 c organic cane sugar
1 T lavender buds, culinary grade
make the syrup
In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat until sugar melts. Shut off heat and allow to cool then strain the lavender buds and transfer to a jar. Store in fridge for up to a month.
made the cocktail
Fill a highball or tall glass halfway with ice and set aside. In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, and ice. Shake for about 15 seconds, until the shaker is cold and frosty. Pour into glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lemon slice and lavender sprig.
make it a pitcher!
serves 8
2 c gin
1 c lemon juice
1 c lavender simple syrup (recipe below)
4 c sparkling water
lemon slices, to garnish
lavender sprigs, to garnish
Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water to a large pitcher (at least 2 quarts) and stir to combine. Add lemon slices. Fill glasses with ice, pour in cocktail, add a lavender sprig, and serve!
