Lavender Lemon Collins

Oh, you’re going to love this one.

A Lavender Lemon Collins is light, refreshing, and just a tiny bit fancy—without being too much work.

It’s the perfect drink for when you want to feel like you’re at a swanky cocktail bar but are actually just relaxing at home.

The lavender adds a subtle floral note that balances the zesty lemon, and the bubbly soda water ties it all together beautifully.

Trust me, this one’s a keeper for backyard BBQs, brunches, or just treating yourself.

Let’s make it!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

2 oz gin (or vodka for a twist)
1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
1 oz lavender simple syrup (recipe below)
Soda water (to top)
Ice cubes
Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish

Tools:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Strainer
Tall glass
Small saucepan (for lavender syrup)
Wooden spoon

Pro Tips

Don’t overdo the lavender. A little goes a long way. Too much can taste soapy, so keep it light.
Use fresh lemon juice. It makes all the difference in the flavor—no bottled stuff here!
Chill your glass beforehand. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to keep your drink cold longer.
Make the lavender syrup in advance. It keeps for about 2 weeks in the fridge, so you’ll always have some on hand.
Involve the kids! If you skip the alcohol, it makes a fun floral lemonade they can enjoy.

Substitutions and Variations

No gin? Swap it for vodka or even tequila for a fun twist.
Non-alcoholic version: Skip the gin, add more soda water or sparkling lemonade instead.
Don’t have lavender? Try rosemary or thyme for a different herbal vibe.
Low sugar option: Reduce the amount of lavender syrup or replace with a sugar-free version.

Make-Ahead Tips

Make the lavender simple syrup a few days before. Just store it in an airtight jar in the fridge.

Instructions

1. Make the lavender simple syrup:

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and cool. Strain to remove the lavender pieces.

2. Prep your shaker:

Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz lavender simple syrup, and a handful of ice cubes to your cocktail shaker. Shake well for 15-20 seconds.

3. Strain and pour:

Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.

4. Top with soda water:

Fill the rest of the glass with soda water, giving it a gentle stir to combine.

5. Garnish and serve:

Add a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh lavender for garnish. Serve immediately!

Leftovers and Storage

If you have extra lavender simple syrup, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Mixed cocktails don’t store well, so make them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.