Lavender Lemon Curd Collins

The Lavender Lemon Curd Collins is a bright, floral twist on the classic Tom Collins, with a creamy citrus note from lemon curd and the gentle aroma of honeyed lavender. This drink cleverly uses the last bit of lemon curd in the jar as a built-in shaker, infusing the cocktail with richness and reducing waste. Gin, limoncello, and a fragrant lavender syrup round out the flavor, while sparkling lemon water adds a refreshing fizz. It’s light, tart, and beautifully aromatic ideal for spring and summer gatherings.

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Tasting Notes

The Lavender Lemon Curd Collins blends floral, citrus, and creamy textures into a cocktail that’s both refreshing and soft. The lemon curd brings a subtle richness and tang that’s lifted by fresh lemon juice and bubbly lemon sparkling water. Lavender notes come through gently from both the syrup and optional lavender gin, balanced by the herbal backbone of classic gin and the citrus sweetness of limoncello. The result is a light, aromatic drink with depth and just enough effervescence to keep it crisp. The lavender sprigs and lemon wheel add a fragrant, summery finish.

Equipment and Glassware

A tall Collins or highball glass is the ideal serving option. You’ll need a jigger for measuring spirits and a long-handled bar spoon for stirring. Instead of a traditional shaker, the Lavender Lemon Curd Collins is built in a nearly empty lemon curd jar, which also acts as a mixing vessel and flavor booster. A fine strainer is optional but helpful if you prefer a smoother pour. For the syrup, use a small saucepan and mesh strainer. A citrus juicer ensures maximum juice from fresh lemons, and a paring knife is useful for prepping garnishes.

Ingredients

For the Cocktail:

• 1–2 tsp lemon curd (use directly from nearly empty jar)
• 1.5 oz gin (lavender gin recommended)
• 1 oz limoncello
• 1 oz honey lavender simple syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• Sparkling lemon water (such as La Croix Limoncello), to top
• Garnish: Lemon wheel and lavender sprig

For Honey Lavender Simple Syrup:

• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup water
• 3–4 heaping tablespoons culinary lavender

Instructions

Make the Honey Lavender Syrup:

• Combine honey, water, and lavender in a medium pot.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
• Strain out lavender and transfer syrup to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Make the Cocktail:

• In a jar with 1–2 teaspoons of lemon curd, add gin, limoncello, and honey lavender syrup.
• Add ice to the jar, secure the lid, and shake until chilled.
• Open the jar, pour in lemon juice and top with sparkling lemon water.
• Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel and a lavender sprig (or two).

Pro Tips

• Use lavender-infused gin to amplify the floral profile
• Let lemon curd reach room temperature to mix more easily
• Shake thoroughly to break up the lemon curd and avoid clumps
• Chill sparkling water beforehand to maintain fizz
• Add lemon juice after shaking to keep its brightness
• For a clearer cocktail, strain after shaking
• Double the syrup recipe and store in the fridge for up to two weeks
• Culinary-grade dried lavender is best for syrup quality
• Use edible lavender for garnish if serving to guests
• Adjust syrup sweetness based on the tartness of your curd

When to Serve

This Lavender Lemon Curd Collins is ideal for brunch, spring and summer garden parties, bridal showers, or afternoon picnics. Its fresh, citrus-forward profile pairs well with pastries, fruit salads, or goat cheese canapés. It also makes a lovely option for a welcome drink thanks to its light alcohol content and visually striking garnishes. Serve it when you want something crisp, fragrant, and a little different from the standard Collins variation.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin

• Empress 1908 (for a floral and colorful option)
• Hendrick’s Gin
• The Botanist
• Bombay Sapphire
• Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin

Limoncello

• Pallini Limoncello
• Caravella
• Luxardo
• Villa Massa
• Meletti Limoncello

Similar Cocktails

• Violet Vodka Lemonade
• Peach Basil Gin and Tonic
• Pink Lemon Drop Martini
• Strawberry Limoncello Mint Sangria
• Limoncello Lemon Drop