A Refreshing, Elegant Cocktail for Any Season 🌸
As the weather starts to shift, we’re always on the lookout for fresh, light flavors to keep us feeling both refreshed and a little fancy! That’s why we’re excited to share our latest favorite cocktail creation: the Blueberry Lavender Collins. This lovely drink pairs juicy blueberries with the gentle floral aroma of lavender, creating a cocktail that’s as pretty as it is delicious. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something unique, refreshing, and a little unexpected.
Whether you’re enjoying it in the spring or summer with friends on the patio or sipping it during cooler months to bring a bit of brightness to your day, the Blueberry Lavender Collins is a treat. And let’s be real, we all need a good excuse to break out those fancy cocktail glasses from time to time, right?
💜 The Magic of Lavender
Lavender isn’t just beautiful in your garden or vase—it’s also incredibly versatile in cooking and cocktails, adding a hint of floral flavor that’s subtle yet memorable.
Why We’re Obsessed with Lavender Right Now 🌸
We’ve always loved the light, floral hint that lavender brings to recipes, especially during seasons when we’re craving something both refreshing and unique. Plus, lavender is more than just a pretty face (or flower); it’s known for its calming properties, making it the perfect addition to any cocktail we want to sip slowly and enjoy.
The inspiration for this Blueberry Lavender Collins came from our last visit to a local farmers’ market, where we found a gorgeous selection of lavender sprigs and fresh blueberries. We couldn’t resist combining the two, and after a little experimenting, we hit the perfect flavor balance. We love how the lavender complements the berries, creating a cocktail that feels light and floral, with just the right amount of sweetness.
🌞 Lavender in Your Kitchen
Lavender isn’t just for cocktails! Try adding a sprinkle to baked goods or infuse it into simple syrups for a calming floral twist.
A Versatile Cocktail for Any Occasion 🍹
One of the best things about the Blueberry Lavender Collins is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can make it alcohol-free by swapping out the gin for a splash of sparkling water or even a hint of lemon soda. It’s the perfect way to enjoy this elegant drink any time of day, whether you’re having a lazy Sunday brunch or a fun evening gathering. Plus, this cocktail is naturally vegetarian and can easily be vegan-friendly, so it’s perfect for our plant-based friends too!
And don’t worry if you’re new to working with lavender! You can find dried culinary lavender in most grocery stores, and it’s easy to infuse into syrups, which is exactly how we bring this cocktail to life. Just a little lavender syrup mixed with fresh blueberries, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of gin, and you’re all set to enjoy this fragrant, sophisticated drink.
🍋 Pro Tip: Fresh Is Best
Use fresh blueberries and lemons to bring out the best flavors in this cocktail. They add a natural sweetness and a burst of color that really makes this drink stand out.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce blueberry-lavender syrup recipe below
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh blueberries and a sprig of lavender for garnish
- Blueberry Lavender Syrup Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp dried lavender buds
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, water, sugar, and dried lavender buds.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the blueberries have broken down, about 10 minutes.
- Strain: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
- Cool: Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cocktail Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, blueberry-lavender syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with Soda: Top off the glass with soda water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprig of lavender.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your Blueberry Lavender Collins!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Lavender Collins
🌸 Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Absolutely! For a refreshing mocktail, just skip the gin and add extra sparkling water or a splash of lemon soda. You’ll still get all the delicious blueberry and lavender flavors without the alcohol.
💜 Where can I find culinary lavender?
You can find dried culinary lavender at most health food stores, specialty grocery stores, or online. Make sure it’s labeled “culinary” so it’s safe for consumption and has the right flavor.
🍋 Can I make the lavender syrup ahead of time?
Yes! Lavender syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. This way, you’re ready to make a Blueberry Lavender Collins anytime you want!
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