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A lemon lavender vodka cocktail is an iconic spring cocktail which is delicate, aromatic and unusual. This beautiful concoction is easy to put together and makes a wonderful spring drink. If you’re considering a pitcher of martinis to say cheers to spring, this craft cocktail is sure to wow at any kind of party and special occasion.
This gorgeous purple drink is sure to make everyone want a glass. This lemon lavender vodka cocktail is simple to make yet seriously impressive to see and sip.
If you like this you might like to try other cocktails such as coconut margarita, black cherry vodka sours or any of these St Patrick’s Day drinks!
Why You’ll Love It
So simple: You can make this lavender martini ahead of time, preparing all the components. Making a craft cocktail has never been this straightforward.
Really delicious: The flavors of lemon and lavender are wonderful together, making this an ideal drink to serve at baby showers, wedding showers, summer BBQs, and more besides.
Definitely impressive: If you wait until your guests are watching to add the lemon to the simple syrup, they can see the mixture change from blue to purple. So, they get magic as well as a great cocktail!
Lavender Martini Ingredients
There are a few components you’re going to need to make this lavender lemonade cocktail. However, if you like to make cocktails, you might find you already have many of them.
Dried lavender buds: To flavor the lavender syrup.
Butterfly pea flowers: Also for the lavender syrup.
Elderflower vodka: I used the Saint Germaine one.
Lemon vodka: For a complementary flavor.
Limoncello: Rich, sweet and lemony (try my homemade limoncello!)
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best.
How to Make this Colour Changing Cocktail
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Start the lavender syrup: Boil the water and sugar.
Cook the lavender syrup: Add the lavender flowers and butterfly pea flowers and simmer.
Finish the lavender simple syrup: Cover and steep, then transfer into a mason jar to cool completely.
Assemble the cocktail: Add lemon to the cooled syrup, then mix with all the other ingredients in a pitcher or a cocktail glass. No cocktail shaker is needed. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Substitutions and Variations
Vodka: You don’t have to use brand-name vodka if you have a preferred alternative. Even plain vodka with an extra squeeze of lemon would work. Of course, another idea is to sub gin for the vodka if that’s your preference.
Lavender syrup: You can also buy readymade lavender syrup (here) if you want a shortcut or can’t find all the ingredients to make your own. Not only is it tasty, but it’s versatile, too, since you can add it to tea and lattes or drizzle it over ice cream.
Garnish: Change the garnish with a lemon wheel and a bit of fresh lavender flower or a lavender sprig on top of the martini’s surface. You could even rim the glass with some lavender sugar.
Alcohol-free version: If you’re looking for a mocktail option, you will love this color changing lemonade. You get all the flavor without the alcohol content.
Serving Suggestions
With appetizers: This aromatic cocktail party drink is the perfect way to kick off any kind of party or get-together. The fun color makes it a great addition to any birthday party, wedding shower or baby shower. Additionally, consider serving it with tasty snacks such as jalapeno popcorn, dirty martini shrimp or cowboy caviar.
With the main dish: Pair it with a main dish like garlic butter steak bites and crispy smashed potato salad.
How to Store Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktails
Store: You can prepare the syrup a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, but don’t prepare the cocktails until it’s time to serve them.
Freeze: This recipe isn’t a great candidate for freezing, so it’s best made and served fresh.
Top Tips
Use culinary lavender: You need culinary lavender buds, which is safe to consume. You can find that at some farmers’ markets and online ordering. As for butterfly pea flowers, you can order those online as well.
Fresh is best: Not only is this best prepared with fresh ingredients, such as fresh lemon, but it’s also best served freshly made.
The best presentation: I like to serve this in matching martini glasses but any glassware works.
Lavender Lemon Drop Martinis FAQs
It depends how you make it! You can always adjust the vodka ratio in there. Made as it is, it’s about the same strength as a regular martini, so perhaps best not to sip too many on an empty stomach!
The butterfly pea flowers are the secret behind the colour change. I like to prepare the lavender syrup ahead so I can add the lemon and change the colour of this lemon lavender martini while people are watching, and they always love it!
Lemon Lavender Cocktail Recipe
Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail
Equipment
- Saucepan Small
- Mason Jar Large
- Pitcher
- Cocktail Stirrer
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 3 Teaspoon lavender, dried
- 1 Tablespoon butterfly pea, 10 flowers
- 1 Cup water
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
Lavender Martini Pitcher (makes 4 glasses)
- 4 Ounces vodka, elderflower, such as Saint Germaine
- 4 Ounces vodka, lemon, such as Absolut Citron
- 2 Ounces limoncello
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 Slices lemon, for garnish
Instructions
- First, prepare the lavender simple syrup. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the lavender and pea flowers. Lower the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a glass container such as a mason jar.
- Allow to cool completely before preparing martinis. Once cooled, squeeze a lemon slice into the pitcher to change the color of the simple syrup from blue to a deep purple hue.
- Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Stir using a cocktail stirrer.
- Pour into martini glasses and garnish with a lemon slice.
Notes
Fresh is best: Not only is this best prepared with fresh ingredients, such as fresh lemon, but it’s also best served freshly made.
The best presentation: I like to serve this in matching martini glasses but any glassware works.
Nutrition
The lemon lavender vodka cocktail is a great purple lemonade recipe with fresh lemon juice, dried lavender flowers and more. This spring cocktail is simple, refreshing and delicious.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This is delicious!