Lavender Lemonade Martini Cocktail
Light, Fresh and Lemony with just a hint of lavender, this Lavender Lemonade Martini is a fantastic summer libation and it’s beautiful to boot!
This month’s Progressive Eats is hosted by Laura Kumin from the blog ‘Mother Would Know‘ and is all about ‘Summer Bounty’ which meant we could include fresh vegetables, fruits and/or herbs that you would typically associate with summertime. I decided to go the herb route mostly because I was dying to make this Lavender Lemonade Martini again and share it with you; it’s really a great cocktail.
I love lemon all the time but I don’t think there is anything much more refreshing than an ice cold lemon flavored drink in the summer. My favorites include homemade lemonade, lemon drop martinis, limoncello, and this Lavender Lemonade Cocktail that my daughter enjoyed at a local restaurant. This cocktail was first published several years ago before I started my Friday Cocktail series and I thought it time to share again with more people; it’s such a quintessential summer drink.
My daughter Lauren worked at Nordstom’s at that time in their Visual Department. Her team made everything look pretty and yes, she was one of the Christmas elves who transformed the store overnight from business as usual the day before Thanksgiving to a holiday wonderland the day after. Each year they host a nice dinner for staff for the holidays. After one particular Christmas season, she came home with instructions, “You have to make this lemon lavender cocktail that I had at Beatrice and Woodsley!”
She said it reminded her of a lemon drop martini but with lavender infused vodka. I wasn’t inclined to make that effort until summer when I thought it just seemed most appropriate; mostly because I was growing lavender in my garden and wanted to use my own. Since that time, I’ve moved and left behind my own lavender fields (pictured below) so I’m starting fresh. Three mid size plants went into the ground last week so there will be limited harvesting this year…but I was able to pluck enough for this drink. Score!
You may have read or heard at some time about insuring you use culinary lavender for food or drinks. That’s a good call to remember if you’re buying it but when I plant bushes in the garden I use what I have; I think the variety in the ground now is Provence and it was perfect in this drink. Keeping it culinary means never using pesticides, that’s my theory.
I’ve also used lavender for bouquets at my kitchen table and in my bedroom, for making sachets for gifts, and of course for some favorite treats. In addition to this cocktail I love lavender shortbread and this Lemon Ricotta Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Herbs – run, don’t walk if you like the sound of this match; it is to die for. The photo? Sorry, not so much.
I decided to use Ketel One Vodka for this cocktail. I was recently invited to a Vodka Tasting put on by Ketel One at a local golf club and it was both fun and enlightening. One of the owners, Carl Nolet, Jr., led the tasting and trust me when I say it was enlightening; it was almost shocking. I was completely surprised at the differences between a couple of premium brands. I thought them significant and the quality of the Ketel One product was beyond evident.
Devoid of a medicinal note that was inherent in the others and especially when infused with either orange or lemon, the Ketel One was bright and citrusy, not sweet and overdone. I admit I’m now a huge fan; the difference was discernible and now there’s no going back, I’ve got a new favorite brand. I was especially pleased to get a signed bottle from Mr. Nolet but I didn’t let that stop me; it will be used!
I thought at first of infusing some vodka with the lavender but instead chose to make a lavender simple syrup and that was a good call. I wasn’t sure just how many uses I would find for lavender vodka; except to have one of these every day…wait, maybe I should have done that??!! So easy, so refreshing…really, really good (can you TELL I liked it!).
As far as making homemade lemonade, the real secret is to make it using a simple syrup so you don’t have to worry about the sugar dissolving. In this case, I infused the simple syrup with lavender; let it cool completely and then it was added to lemon juice and vodka for this oh so refreshing Lavender Lemonade Martini. That’s it…three ingredients; could not be simpler.
This one is pretty, lemony and so important in these dog days of summer…a super COLD cocktail! Goes down very easy…hope you enjoy one too and to you I say Cheers!
Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month we’re featuring Summer Bounty, hosted by Laura Kumin, who blogs at Mother Would Know. Our theme features fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits associated with summer in a menu that we hope you’ll enjoy!
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out.
Summer Bounty
Appetizers
- Middle Eastern Zucchini Tahini Eggplant Dip from Mother Would Know
- Dill Caprese Bruschetta from Jenni Field’s Pastry Chef Online
- Mediterranean Salsa Brushetta from Foodhunter’s Guide
Main Courses
- Bruschetta Pizza from The Redheaded Baker
- Zucchini, Summer Squash, and Tomato Tart from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Desserts
- Blueberry White Chocolate Tart from Stetted
- Mile High Strawberry Pie from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Pretty as a Peach Shortbread (gluten-free) from The Heritage Cook
Beverages
- Blueberry Lavender Shrub Syrup from All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
- Lavender Lemonade Martini Cocktail (You’re Here!)
PIN ‘Lavender Lemonade Martini Cocktail’
Lavender Lemonade Martini Cocktail
Ingredients
For the lavender simple syrup:
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 6 sprigs of lavender
For the cocktail:
- ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 4 oz vodka chilled
To Garnish:
- Sugar for rimming
- Additional lavender sprigs
- Lemon slices halved
Instructions
To Make the Simple Syrup:
- Combine the sugar and water in a pot on the stove and bring to a boil; cook only until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add lavender sprigs and allow to cool completely, stirring occasionally.
To Make the Cocktail:
- Rim the edge of two martini glasses with a lemon slice and dip the edge into sugar (I like cake decorating sugar with larger crystals)
- Strain the lavender simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and add the lemon juice and vodka. Shake until VERY cold.
- Pour the lemonade/vodka mixture through a strainer into a cocktail glass. I prefer it without ice but if you prefer, put some crushed ice into the glass first.
- Garnish with lavender sprigs and lemon slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Wow! I do it, even something as simple as just a bit on cocktail is delicious.
Fabulous! I plan to prepare this cocktail on my father’s birthday.
How much lavender simple syrup do you add to the drink?
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I don’t know if you’ll receive this in time to reply for my upcoming party. The lavender lemonade cocktail sounds amazing – how would you suggest I adapt this if I wanted to make it in a beverage dispenser? Do you think it would work without the cocktail shaker?
Hi Sallie…hope I caught you in time! Because there is nothing fizzy to go flat, there’s no reason you can prepare this ahead of time. The only thing is how to make sure it’s cold enough so in lieu of shaking with ice, it would have to be refrigerated until very cold. Since the ice shaking actually adds a bit of water to the mix as the ice is diluted in the process, I would suggest you could also add some ice to the mix in your container to help keep it cold.
Hope that helps!
Love the floral aspect to this. Just perfect for summer.
I feel like I need to make a batch of lavender simple syrup asap! This is the perfect summer sip – light, refreshing, and so beautiful.
Do it! Good on so many things; even something as simple as just a bit on vanilla ice cream is delicious.
It’s incredibly hot and humid in DC today, so reading this post, I could just about dive into the glass. I don’t have any fields of lavender – or even a few lavender plants. Can I use the dried culinary lavender I got at the farmers market last year? It still smells lovely. While it’s not on a stem, I could wrap it in cheese cloth before submerging it in the simple syrup and then could remove it easily before straining the simple syrup into the glass.
Another winning recipe and stunning photos Barb! The perfect way to celebrate the dog days of summer!!
Wow! That martini looks so refreshing and tasty.
You can actually buy lavender simple syrup — we have some that friends gave us. But more fun to make your own! Glad you shared this drink with us again — so nice and refreshing for the hot, HOT summer we’re having. Thanks!
I’ve seen it at some specialty stores but since I plant lavender just to be able to use it for cocktails and cookies I’m in good shape. The plants are doing OK for their first year but probably will see a big difference next year after they settle in; I would turn my entire backyard into lavender if I could!
Beautiful cocktail–and stunning photos, Barb! It’s amazing the differences among brands when tasted side by side. Glad you have a new fave brand, and how cool you got a signed bottle!
What a gorgeous cocktail, Barb! And the addition of lavender makes it so summery and fun! I need to check the lavender in my garden–it actually survived the winter—as this would be a fabulous addition to our 4th of July menu.
How many does this recipe serve, I need to make it for 12.
I sure have come a long way writing recipes; this one was certainly lacking! I figured about 3 cups of liquid with the simple syrup, lemon juice and ice which is 24 ounces. Assuming 3-4 ounces for each cocktail one batch should serve 6 easily so I would recommend you double it for 12. When I get more time I’m taking a new photo too!
This looks fantastic. And its not late; its right on time for my perfect summer birthday bbq!
I have some lavendar and have been wanting to try something with it! This looks like good place to start..
thanks for the idea…
Kathy
Lavender is great with lemon Kathy and I’ve some some lavender shortbread on the site you might want to scope out…loved those too.
I love lavender lemonade so I know I would love it as a martini!
Thanksgiving to a holiday wonderland the day after). Each year they host a nice dinner for staff for the holidays.
What a gorgeous sounding cocktail! Just made for sipping outdoors! 😀
I’m making a note of the pitchers of cocktails you’ll make for me when we meet! This one is in the top 3 right now! 🙂
It’s in mine too…it really is amazing. I would have never thought to blend whole pieces of citrus for fear the pith would make something bitter so the key is to ‘just’ do it until the larger chunks are no more but there are still big pieces of peel…it wasn’t bitter at all but had such a rich texture and taste. It will be my go to for lemonade and limeade even without the booze! One day we’ll hopefully sip together!
What a gorgeous drink! It looks so refreshing and dramatic with that black background. This recipe sounds wonderful. I’m with Lauren, you have to make this drink . . . for me.
You know I will; I sure do have the lavender and you left yours here!
Ooohhh.. I love the pairing between lavender and lemonade. Looks so refreshing!
It so is! That’s what I love the most about summer drinks…keep them light and cold and actually refreshing.
I had that martini at Beatrice & Woodlsey too and have been dreaming of it ever since. Thanks for deciphering it Barb; I’m going to tattoo this recipe on my thigh so I never loose it!!
I would love to know if I came close; Lauren loved it and I don’t think I ever heard a complaint but now that I think about it not sure I ever heard if I hit the mark either! Oh well, it’s good…that’s all that matters right? 🙂
I had no idea you were ever less than perfect. Don’t spoil the illusion 🙂
I love this combination of lemon and lavender. Bet it tastes as delicious as it looks. Fantastic photograph!
Apparently you don’t know my children right? 🙂
I broke my leg in 2010…still recuperating and sometimes when I get discouraged I have things like this to remind me I really am on the mend. Stupid leg. 🙂
How lovely! It is definitley lavendar season here in orgon Wine Country and this weekend all the lavender festivals are happening. I love lavendar lemonade with shortbread cookies, but add vodka…weel even better!
I love it in shortbread too. Oh so good as long as you have an oh so light hand with it!
I’ve not used lavender in the kitchen before but now know where to buy it thanks to you and hope to enjoy it by next summer.
Have you thought about offering a food photography class to local bloggers? Sign me up!!
You are kidding right? Silly…I have a whole bunch I could harvest if you want some. Now is the time…so seriously, come over. Karen just took a whole bunch home today; I seriously grow some plants JUST for cutting!
I’ve helped a few folks; if you want to come over some time we could do some practicing. Just let me know.
I want to! On both counts!
I have a friend who has several lavendar plants and I’ve very fortunate that she shares her lavender with me … do you know that you can also use the leaves (dried) and that they have more flavor than the flowers ??
I’ve added some lavender leaves to limoncello to create a lavender limoncello that is lovely … so I’ve got a good idea of what this drink would taste like – and I’m going to have to add this to my list of must-make things.
Another idea my friend shared is to “smoke” chicken/fish/lamb with the dried lavender stems when I BBQ – she said that it’s another wonderful way to use the lavender – I haven’t tried this yet – but I believe her and will be trying it the next time I BBQ chicken or shrimp.
Doreen
I don’t think I did know that but it makes sense; just brush by them and the plant has such a great aroma…and oh my; I have to try that smoking business!
Guess what I am going to be doing this weekend? Infusing some simply syrup with lavender so I can make this cocktail which I know I am going to LOVE!! I agree that infusing the syrup is a much better idea – bet that syrup would be good in sorbet as well… oh the possibiities!!!
You will love it and you’re right, would be great in a sorbet. I did that a couple of years ago, mixing it with Rose wine. Was very good.
OMG that looks SO GOOD!!! Love the combo 🙂
On a sidenote – your daughter and I need to have a chat – this Anniversary Sale is going to make my wallet go screaming for the hills *LOL*
Next time come to town and shop with her. She could buy for her ‘sis’ I’m sure. 🙂
This makes my mouth water just reading the ingredients. I’m a lemon lover, too. In both sweet and savory recipes. If it has lemon in it, I’m all over it.
Also, absolutely love the photo. The dark background and the way you lit the drink…perfection.
Thanks so much Lana; sometimes I just luck out and get a shot I love and am not even sure I could replicate…luck of the draw I say! Now heading to your site cause I’m itching for some canned cream of mushroom soup. 🙂
Every week you knock my socks off with your beautiful and creative cocktails and this week is no exception! The beauty of your cocktail photos are superceeded (by only a tiny margin) by the beauty of your lavender bushes!
I could seriously fill my yard with them. They’re hardy, drought tolerant, come back every year and pretty. Really, what more could a girl ask for huh?
This photo wasn’t planned to be like this; I need to remember what I did to get it just so…so next time I can plan it if I want to. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this link with me… this martini sounds AAAAHHHmazing! 🙂
It is Erin…and so easy too; certainly a big part of the charm for me.
My wife loves lavender tea. I will have to surprise her with this some evening! Looks great.
Truth is it makes great lemonade without any alcohol too…but of course I love the martini. I think next time I might rim the glass with some lavender sugar.
Oh yum! Lavender syrup sounds great! I’ve infused cream with it, but had completely blocked the idea of syrup!
They are soooo good; just a slight lavender taste…but had a guy here and he loved them too; so not just a girly girl drink!
Ok, I just made this, and it is a huge hit!! Poppa Trix and I are officially addicted.
Slacker that I am (not really I have been insanely busy!) I am just getting to read this. It is BEAUTIFUL. What a fabulous drink. Guess what I am going to make later this afternoon? Seriously, you are speaking my language here (and would it be wrong to double the vodka? lol)
I don’t think it would be wrong to double the vodka but think I need to be there for your taste test! Hope you enjoy as much as I do/did!
Your blog is making my mouth water. This martini looks absolutely beautiful, and although I don’t drink often, I could never pass up one of these stunning drinks. I love lavender and I imagine it is divine when paired with sweet and tangy lemondade.
The good news is that this is also perfect for non drinkers; the lavender lemonade alone is fabulous; the vodka a smooth addition for someone wanting a cocktail but absolutely not necessary!
I saw this on Facebook from a posting by Foodblogs and just had to see what it was all about. I thought about buying a lavender plant over the weekend but didn’t. Know I will go back and pick one up. This looks and sounds like such a wonderful cocktail. You have a beautiful blog. So glad I found you.
Danielle, it’s one of my favorite plants. I’m in Denver and it seems to thrive here. When it’s in bloom it’s beautiful so it’s a great herb. Plant, herb and scent…love them all! And thank you for your kind comment; glad you found me!
I absolutely love this cocktail! I have a bunch of lavender growing in our urban garden (outside our front stoop) and I haven’t found much to do with it.
But that’s all changed with this fantastic recipe!
I told ya…such a wonderful and unexpected surprise. First time ever I’ve harvested most of my lavender buds. Just did a lavender version of shortcake too…hoping to post about both herbacious versions soon!
Gorgeous! I’ve been hearing a lot about lavender infused vodka lately. I really must give it a try. Your blog is fantastic! I’m so glad I stumbled onto it today.
I’m glad you found me/it…and vice versa! Welcome.
Lavender plant…$4.00
Bottle of vodka…$20.00
Best summer drink ever…..Priceless
This photograph looks so refreshing and cool.
Very true…now for a lemon tree. Oh yea, I’m in CO; maybe not!
Beautiful looking drink Barb! I’ve missed some of your posts…RSS Feed stopped working! So I’ve subscribed by email. Got some catching up to do.
I’ve missed you; thought you must have gone on a LONG vacation; glad you’re back and the drink is to die for.
That looks amazing. I could go for one (or four) about now.
Another fabulously addicting sipper Barb – and we’ve wanted to plant lavender for a couple of years now; haven’t done it yet but now? I’m thinking it would be a good time to plant some! Grateful I’m not your neighbor – I’d need a 12-step program!
Oooh if I lived closer. Glad your daughter found this. Do wish lavender grew here. I carried a plant down from our trip to the Himalayas, but it didn’t survive the plains! I wept when it died. Am so envious of yours. Are you close to Texas? {Pardon my American geography}. My Mum is there for a couple of weeks.
xo
LOVE the photos! I am not a big drinker, but this sounds delish!!!
Very refreshing and creative cocktail. I haven’t worked much with lavender because Im afraid to go overkill with it. But you seem to have it down!
Absolutely stunning! I’m not normally a big martini person, but I’m sure I’d love this. Even without the vodka, I think it would make a very refreshing and sophisticated lemonade!
Hey Barb! Thanks so much for swinging by the RGB today! I haven’t mentioned this yet, but I carried a bouquet of lavender from the backyard for the big day. It’s drying out on the fireplace mantle right now.
Had you posted this a couple days sooner, I probably would have made this martini to go with my post-nuptial picnic!!!
It looks LOVELY, and so applicable to the RGB. Bookmarking this as a future idea for the Bistro. 😉
[K]
Aw, thanks for sharing Kim…I love the stuff and what a lovely remembrance. You could sip this at your anniversary. Or next week!
Congrats again!
Ever since I tried a lavender creme brulee at this great restaurant I have been hooked on lavender infused dishes. This drink sounds too fabulous to be true! I am most definitely going to try this! You daughter had a great idea! Maybe I’ll make these to share with my mom!
Check out the pizza mentioned in the post too. So different and it was great. Just a bit of lavender honey at the end but loved it. Not a manly dish…great to share both with your mom.
Although I am not much of an alcohol person, I can imagine this being very refreshing.. going to pass this on to some of my martini loving friends!
delicious!!!! oooh… this just sounds so tasty… and dangerous! one could never be enough!