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Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic Cocktail FI

Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic

If you ever wondered what purple tastes like, you should definitely give the Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic a go. I’m usually a fan of keeping the Gin and Tonic “pure”, but adding lavender syrup and a bit of lemon juice kick this drink up a notch. You can also bust out a few party tricks when you make it, by using a magical color changing gin.

Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic Cocktail
The Empress has changed color, but the lavender is still hanging out on the bottom.

This gin cocktail will also show some layers, specifically the layer of gin and lavender syrup. If you use Empress 1908 Gin, as I did, the purple colors of the Empress will begin to turn pink as you add an ingredient that’s acidic, like the lemon juice and tonic. And, it’s just a nice gin, as well.

Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic

This gorgeous, and delicious, Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic also puts on a light show. Using a purple gin, you can change the color of this drink when you add lemon and tonic.

Ingredients

  • 2 Oz. Gin – use Empress 1908 for color change
  • 1 Oz. Lavender Simple Syrup
  • 1 Whole Lemon, juiced
  • Tonic water, to finish

Instructions

  • You can build this right in your balloon glass! First, add ice.
  • If you want to go for some flashy layers of color, put your lavender syrup as the first layer.
  • Add your gin next.
  • Now add the juice from one lemon.
  • This will start the color change process.
  • Top with tonic water.
  • Stir in your glass and enjoy!

How to make your own lavender simple syrup.

Fresh Lavender Syrup for Cocktails

Easily make some fresh Lavender Cocktail Syrup with sugar, water, and fresh lavender blossoms.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. Fresh lavender blossoms
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 2-5 Whole Blueberries

Instructions

  • Start by "plucking" the tiny blossoms from fresh lavender flowers. Collect 1 tablespoon's worth.
  • Combine your blossoms, water, and sugar into a saucepan or small pot.
  • Add some whole blueberries if you want a deeper color to your finished syrup.
  • Bring all of this to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and cool thoroughly.
  • Strain and funnel into a glass container.
  • Store in the fridge.

You can read more about the lavender syrup here.

Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic
Layers before the magic

Notes on the Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic

Now that I’m writing this, I wonder if you could layer the gin first, then the lavender syrup, to keep it separate from the Empress as the lemon and tonic are added? This would only give you the color change after a swirl? Maybe?

I used freshly squeezed lemon juice, but you can add about .75 oz or so if fresh isn’t around.

This drink is literally magic – it’s sweet, tart, and a bit candy like, but not so much that you are speed dialing the dentist. If the color purple had a flavor, this is likely it.

Cheers to good decisions!


Lavender Lemon Gin and Tonic 3
Thank you for sharing!