Lavender Cocktails: Fresh, Floral Recipes You’ll Love

Lavender cocktails have been blooming in popularity for all the right reasons. With their soft colour, gorgeous aroma, and subtle floral flavour, these drinks are popping up everywhere— from trendy cocktail menus to backyard happy hours. Whether you’re keen to elevate your weekend sips or impress guests with a little something gorgeous, lavender is a fabulous choice. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use it at home and get five standout cocktail recipes to try. 

What are lavender cocktails?

Lavender drinks are floral cocktails made with fresh or dried lavender, or, most commonly, a lavender sugar syrup. The distinct aromatic note of the flower adds a subtle lift to drinks, setting the scene for a prettily layered experience that’s both flavourful and fragrant. 

Lavender pairs beautifully with gin, vodka, tequila, white rum, and mezcal. It softens sharp edges, balances citrus, and brings out deeper flavour notes depending on the base spirit. 

Some of the most popular styles include spritzed coolers, floral spins on the Margarita, and laid-back lemonade mixes. In short, lavender is versatile, easy to prep, and ideal for anyone looking to add a delightful dash of aromatic goodness to their cocktail game. 

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How to make lavender syrup at home

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 cup water  

• 1 cup granulated sugar  

• 2-3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers (culinary grade)  

METHOD 

1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves   
2. Add the dried lavender flowers and simmer for 5 minutes.  
3. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.  
4. Strain out the lavender flowers and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.   

Let your lavender syrup cool to room temperature before pouring it into a clean, airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can water down the flavour. Once cooled and sealed, store it in the fridge, where it should keep for up to two weeks. Don’t forget to label your jar with the prep date and flavour to track freshness and avoid mix-ups when making your lavender syrup cocktails.  

Get schooled: The Complete Guide to Sugar Syrups 

Best spirits for lavender cocktails

Lavender plays well with a wide range of spirits, but some pairings just hit better than others. 

Gin is a natural match for lavender. Coming to the party with its own botanical backbone, a gin like Bulldog layers beautifully with floral flavours, giving you a crisp, aromatic base that feels effortlessly elevated in lavender gin cocktails.  

Vodka offers a clean, neutral canvas. If you want lavender to take centre stage, a smooth option like SKYY lets the floral notes really pop, especially in lemonade-based lavender vodka drinks or citrusy highballs. 

Tequila, particularly in a twist on the Margarita, balances the herb’s soft floral profile with a vibrant, zesty edge. Try Espolòn for a fresh, punchy combo that sings in warm weather. 

Mezcal brings the drama. Its earthy, smoky character adds contrast that keeps a floral drink from going too sweet or delicate. Montelobos is a great pick if you want to create bold, lavender-infused drinks with a softer finish. 

PRO TIP! Lavender loves citrus and bitters. Pair it with grapefruit, lemon, or orange for lift, and explore lavender-friendly bitters like orange, grapefruit, or even a hint of cardamom to round out floral cocktails.  

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5 Lavender cocktail recipes to try at home

1. Lavender Gin Fizz

This sensational sipper combines the herbal notes of lavender with the bold juniper notes of gin in the most delightful way. To make this spin-off of the Ramos Gin Fizz, add 30 ml Bulldog Gin, 20 ml lemon juice, 20 ml lavender sugar syrup, and an egg white to a cocktail shaker, without ice. Dry shake for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake again for 30 seconds. Strain into your serving glass and top off with club soda.  

Also see: Master Culinary Cocktails (Top Recipes & Techniques You Need) 

2. Lavender Margarita  

Let’s dress up the Mexican classic in a pretty floral jacket, shall we? To make a Lavender Margarita, combine 60 ml Espolòn Blanco tequila, 30 ml lime juice, 20 ml Grand Marnier, and 15 ml lavender sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a frosty Margarita glass and enjoy. 

More zest this way: Cosmopolitan Variations (Modern Twists on the Classic Cocktail) 

3. Lavender Lemonade Vodka Cooler

Looking for a summery sipper? You’re sorted! To make this Lavender Lemonade cocktail, add 60 ml SKYY Vodka, 30 ml lemon juice, and 30 ml lavender sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, decant into a Collins glass over fresh ice, top off with sparkling water, and enjoy.  

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4. Lavender Mojito

This Lavender Mojito is very easy to make and offers a fun twist on the classic minty cocktail; ideal for warm-weather entertaining! To make one, start by muddling together 5 large mint leaves and 15 ml lavender syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add 45 ml Wray & Nephew white rum and the juice of one lime, and shake until well combined. Pour into a tall serving glass over fresh ice, top off with club soda, give it a gentle stir, and enjoy.  

Read next: 21 Delicious Spring Cocktails (2025) 

5. Lavender Paloma

A zesty clinker that’s earthy and floral? Yes, please! To make a lush Lavender Paloma, add 60 ml Montelobos mezcal, 45 ml grapefruit juice, 30 ml lavender syrup, and 30 ml lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and top off with a splash of club soda if preferred.  

Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Using Herbs in Cocktails 

Garnishing and presentation tips

A little goes a long way with lavender, so keep it subtle. Garnish your cocktails with a small, fresh lavender sprig or a few edible flowers for visual flair. These delicate touches add elegance, without overwhelming the drink. For a polished finish, use clear or lightly tinted glassware to show off the soft colour of your cocktail. Lavender can lean soapy if overdone, so always taste as you go, and when in doubt, go for less. 

Lavender cocktails are proof that small touches can transform simple drinks into sensory standouts. With just a bit of syrup and the right spirit, you can bring floral flair to your home bar without breaking a sweat. Try the recipes, play with pairings, and make it your own. Want more cocktail inspiration? Sign up for the newsletter to stay in the Mix and be sure to visit the Bulldog Gin and Espolòn websites for more blooming good ideas.