The Lavender Gin Sour is a floral twist on the classic gin sour, combining botanical gin with the fragrant sweetness of lavender syrup. Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink, while the optional egg white adds a smooth, velvety texture and a beautiful foamy top. The floral notes from the lavender pair perfectly with gin’s botanicals, creating a refreshing yet refined cocktail. Garnished with a sprig of lavender or a lemon twist, it’s as aromatic as it is visually appealing perfect for spring evenings, garden parties, or any time you want a cocktail that feels both uplifting and elegant.
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Tasting Notes
The Lavender Gin Sour offers a soft floral aroma paired with bright citrus. The gin brings botanical depth, while the lavender syrup adds a gentle sweetness with a fragrant herbal lift. Fresh lemon juice cuts through with refreshing acidity, balancing the richness from the optional egg white. The foam creates a creamy mouthfeel without overpowering the lightness of the drink. Each sip carries a layered blend of crisp gin botanicals, delicate lavender, and tart lemon, leaving a clean finish. The garnish adds visual appeal while subtly reinforcing the drink’s aromatics, making this cocktail as pleasing to smell as it is to drink.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare a Lavender Gin Sour, you’ll need a cocktail shaker capable of handling both a dry shake and wet shake. A fine mesh strainer helps achieve a smooth texture, especially when using egg white. A jigger ensures precise measurement for balance. Use a bar spoon to stir your lavender syrup before adding it to the shaker. Fresh citrus requires a handheld juicer for best results. A sharp paring knife helps prepare a neat lemon twist garnish. Serve the cocktail in a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass to highlight its presentation and keep it cool while sipping.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin you can choose a good-quality gin that complements floral flavors
- 3/4 oz lemon juice using fresh is better
- 1/2 oz lavender syrup
- 1 egg white Optional, for that silky texture and frothy top
- lavender sprigs and lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- If you haven’t already, prepare your lavender simple syrup ahead of time. It involves boiling equal parts water and sugar with a tablespoon of dried lavender for about 5 minutes, then cooling and straining it.
- In a shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and egg white (if using). The egg white is not for flavor but adds a luxurious texture and froth to the drink.
- First, shake the mixture without ice vigorously. This is called a dry shake, and it’s essential for emulsifying the egg white and getting that beautiful foam.
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously. This cools the drink and further builds the foam.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. If you’ve used egg white, you might want to use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth pour.
- Finish by garnishing with a sprig of lavender or a lemon twist to enhance the drink’s aroma and visual appeal.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cold longer.
- Shake the first time without ice for a more stable foam.
- Avoid over-steeping the lavender in syrup to prevent bitterness.
- Fine strain the drink to remove any ice shards or unwanted particles.
- Use high-quality gin with botanical notes that pair well with lavender.
- Add the garnish just before serving to maintain its freshness and aroma.
When to Serve
The Lavender Gin Sour works beautifully for spring and summer gatherings, thanks to its floral aroma and refreshing balance of flavors. It makes a refined choice for afternoon garden parties, bridal showers, or brunches. The drink’s delicate color and aromatic garnish also make it suitable for romantic dinners or as a pre-dinner cocktail. Its light, citrus-forward profile means it pairs well with fresh salads, seafood, or herbed poultry dishes. The optional egg white gives it a luxurious texture, making it equally fitting for more formal occasions where presentation is key.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Gin
- Hendrick’s Gin
- The Botanist
- Bombay Sapphire
- Tanqueray No. Ten
- Aviation Gin
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin you can choose a good-quality gin that complements floral flavors
- 3/4 oz lemon juice using fresh is better
- 1/2 oz lavender syrup
- 1 egg white Optional, for that silky texture and frothy top
- lavender sprigs and lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Prep:
- If you haven’t already, prepare your lavender simple syrup ahead of time. It involves boiling equal parts water and sugar with a tablespoon of dried lavender for about 5 minutes, then cooling and straining it.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and egg white (if using). The egg white is not for flavor but adds a luxurious texture and froth to the drink.
- Dry Shake:
- First, shake the mixture without ice vigorously. This is called a dry shake, and it’s essential for emulsifying the egg white and getting that beautiful foam.
- Wet Shake:
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously. This cools the drink and further builds the foam.
- Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. If you’ve used egg white, you might want to use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth pour.
- Garnish:
- Finish by garnishing with a sprig of lavender or a lemon twist to enhance the drink’s aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use culinary-grade lavender for the syrup to avoid bitterness.
- Fresh lemon juice is essential for a bright, balanced flavor.
- The dry shake step is key to creating stable foam when using egg white.
Looks nice, even I tried to craft with this flora with bees knees with lavender flavour
Had a nice compliment from my guest but the rock/ eye presentation looks little odd with that beautiful flower.
Hi Tubby,
Quite a lovely surprised to see you on this site, I had to take a double take.
The drink looks very inviting and as soon as I gather all the ingredients I plan on making it the next time my friends are over. All the best to you in yet another one of your establishments.