Lavender Fields

The first warm day after months of cold weather always feels like a celebration. That moment when you can take an after-dinner walk—no coat needed, sun still shining—is easily one of my favorite parts of the year.

To mark the occasion, I wanted a cocktail that captures the freshness of spring—light, floral, and herbaceous. Enter the Lavender Fields, made with lavender-infused honey, botanical gin, fresh lemon juice, and St-Germain, the delicious elderflower liqueur. Optionally, add an egg white or aquafaba for a velvety texture and foam top. It’s spring in a glass and it’ll be on repeat all season long.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

INGREDIENTS

Lavender Honey Syrup (enough for 6-8 cocktails)

  • ¼ cup honey

  • ¼ cup water

  • 1 ½ tsp dried culinary lavender

Lavender Fields Cocktail (serves 1)

  • 2 oz botanical gin (such as Hendrick’s)

  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

  • ¾ oz St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)

  • ½ oz lavender-infused honey syrup (recipe above)

  • ½ oz egg white or aquafaba (optional, for foam top)

  • 2 dashes orange bitters

DIRECTIONS

Make the Lavender Honey Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and lavender over low heat, stirring until fully combined.

  2. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.

  3. Strain out the lavender and let the syrup cool completely before using.

Make the Cocktail

  1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (without ice) and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, until foamy.

  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.

  3. Double strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a coupe or martini glass.

  4. Garnish with a lavender sprig, if desired.

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

  • The lavender honey syrup can be made in advance and will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for several weeks.

  • To make a larger batch for a group, mix all cocktail ingredients except the egg white in a large pitcher. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, work in batches: pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker, add egg white if using, shake over ice, and strain.

  • If you’d like to enjoy as a mocktail, there are some zero-proof gin options available, such as Ritual. Keep in mind that these have a unique flavor profile compared to traditional gin and might require adjusting the proportions of the other ingredients to suit your taste.

  • St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur is nicknamed the ‘Bartender’s Ketchup’ because it’s so versatile. Here’s a great list of other cocktails you can make with this bottle, including the French Blonde which is rumored to be one of Taylor Swift’s favorites.