Paul Kushner
The Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a floral twist on a cocktail classic, blending the crisp bite of lemon with the soothing sweetness of lavender. Vodka provides a clean foundation, while orange liqueur and lavender bitters add depth and refinement. Finished with a sugared rim and a fragrant garnish, it’s a drink that delights both the eyes and the palate. This cocktail is perfect for spring and summer evenings, bridal showers, or anytime you want something light, refreshing, and beautifully aromatic. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable martini with just the right balance of sweet, tart, and floral notes.
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Tasting Notes
The Lavender Lemon Drop Martini brings together citrus brightness and floral sweetness in a way that feels both refreshing and layered. Vodka provides a clean canvas, while lavender syrup offers fragrant sweetness without overwhelming the drink. Fresh lemon juice brings crisp acidity that balances the syrup, ensuring the cocktail stays sharp and lively. A touch of orange liqueur adds gentle depth, rounding out the flavor with subtle fruit complexity. Lavender bitters accentuate the floral profile, tying everything together. The sugared rim enhances the first sip, adding a delicate contrast that makes each taste feel balanced and memorable.
Equipment and Glassware
Making this Lavender Lemon Drop Martini requires only a few tools, yet precision makes all the difference. A cocktail shaker is essential for thoroughly chilling and blending the ingredients, while a strainer ensures a smooth pour into the glass. Use a jigger to measure accurately, keeping the citrus, floral, and spirit elements in proper balance. A bar spoon may also be helpful for stirring when adjusting sweetness or bitterness. For presentation, a classic martini glass is ideal, with its wide rim designed to highlight the sugared edge and garnish. Lastly, fresh ice is key for chilling the cocktail without excessive dilution.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lavender syrup
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz orange liqueur
- 2 dashes lavender bitters
- Sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon twist and sprig of lavender (for garnish)
Instructions
- Spread sugar on a small plate. Rub the rim of a martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip into the sugar to coat. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, lavender syrup, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and lavender bitters.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty and cold.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of lavender.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor balance.
- Adjust the lavender syrup amount depending on desired sweetness.
- Opt for a high-quality vodka to keep the base clean and smooth.
- Shake vigorously to properly chill and dilute the drink for balance.
- Prepare the sugared rim just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Try different orange liqueurs to see how sweetness or dryness changes the cocktail.
- Garnish with fresh lavender rather than dried for better aroma and presentation.
When to Serve
The Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a versatile cocktail perfect for occasions that call for something crisp yet fragrant. Its bright citrus makes it an excellent choice for spring and summer gatherings, whether served at an afternoon garden party or a warm evening get-together. It also works beautifully as a pre-dinner drink, awakening the palate with sharp citrus balanced by sweet floral notes. The drink’s presentation, complete with sugared rim and lavender garnish, makes it suitable for special celebrations, brunches, or cocktail hours where presentation matters as much as taste. It’s refreshing yet sophisticated in its balance.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Vodka: Ketel One, Grey Goose, or Tito’s for a clean, smooth foundation.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau for balance, Grand Marnier for richness, or Triple Sec for a lighter touch.
- Lavender Syrup: Monin or homemade lavender syrup for reliable flavor.
- Bitters: Scrappy’s Lavender Bitters for a bold profile or Fee Brothers for a milder finish.
- Garnishes: Fresh organic lavender and unwaxed lemons for the best aroma and presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lavender syrup
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz orange liqueur
- 2 dashes lavender bitters
- Sugar for rimming the glass
- Lemon twist and sprig of lavender for garnish
Instructions
- Spread sugar on a small plate. Rub the rim of a martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip into the sugar to coat. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, lavender syrup, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and lavender bitters.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty and cold.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of lavender.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- If lavender syrup is unavailable, make your own by infusing simple syrup with dried lavender buds.
- Keep your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for extra chill.
