So it's no surprise that I am offering up another gin cocktail. Gin tends to be my go-to spirit, especially in the summer when I want to keep things light and refreshing.
The story behind this drink started one evening at a friend's birthday bash. His wife, my dear friend @stylesmarts (a local fashion stylist - follow her if you aren't already, so shares amazing info and tips on her blog and insta stories) rented out the Emerald Room for his party. They served the most amazing cocktails - in fact their penicillin cocktail inspired me to make this. The second drink they were serving was a lavender, gin cocktail. It was delicious!
Having one, maybe two in the name of research :), I knew I had to start working on my spirit infusions. I had previously infused vodka with jalapenos peppers and black peppercorns for Caesars and gin with early grey and hibiscus teas for Martinis, but I hadn't ever worked with lavender. After a number of tries with food grade dried lavender that ended up tasting a lot like soap, I decided to use fresh sprigs. Now all I had to do was plant a lavender bush and then wait for the blossoms. Patience, lots of patience was required. After a number of months, my plant was ready for blossom harvest. In full disclosure, I had to make small batch infusions, as I wanted the honey bees to have some food too! It took a few more recipe attempt, but I think I've found the perfect lavender gin infusion recipe for my palate. Not too overwhelming in aromatics and flavour - just enough to be noticeable. I encourage you to try infusing spirits and make sure to adjust to your taste.
I hope you enjoy this cocktail. It's a new favourite and next year when the lavender is in first bloom, you know what I'll be doing!
Enjoy,
Krista
Lavender Infused Gin Recipe
*Note: The measurements below are for a small batch infusion, enough for 4 cocktails, adjust quantities according to your needs)
Ingredients
8 oz gin (London Dry preferred)
4 sprigs of fresh lavender, cleaned (this is important, you don't want bugs or dirt in your infusion, it will taint)
Method
Add gin and lavender sprigs to an airtight clear glass container. Allow mixture to infuse in a dark place for 10 hours. This will produce a very aromatic, clean flavoured spirit. Adjust to your palette. Store in sealed container for up to one month.
For the cocktail...
Lavender-Gin Blossom
makes 1 drink
Ingredients
2 oz lavender infused gin
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
4 oz prosecco or other sparkling wine, to top coupe glass
Garnish - fresh lavender sprigs and rolled, thick lemon peel flowers
Method
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until shaker is chilled on the outside. Strain shaker contents into a coupe glass (or flute if you don't have a coupe) and top with prosecco.
Garnish with lemon and fresh lavender sprig.
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