If you love soft, floral sips, then you have to try some of my amazing lavender cocktails! Each one adds a lavender twist to vodka, gin, and even whiskey based drinks, for something to suit every palette. These sips are perfect for spring and summer in particular, thanks to the lovely purple color!
About Lavender Simple Syrup
All of these lavender cocktail recipes make use of lavender simple syrup as a core ingredient for flavor and color. You can either buy pre-made lavender simple syrup (I prefer Torani, but any brand is fine), or make it yourself at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Store-Bought Options
Pre-made lavender syrup is available at many grocery stores, liquor stores, coffee supply shops, and online retailers. Popular brands often carry floral syrups designed for cocktails, coffee, lemonade, and desserts. Look for syrups labeled with culinary lavender for the best flavor.
Common places to find it include:
- Specialty grocery stores
- Cocktail supply shops
- Coffee and tea sections
- Online retailers (such as Amazon or Walmart)
Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup
Making your own lavender syrup is easy and lets you control the flavor intensity.
- Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan
- Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of culinary lavender
- Simmer briefly, then remove from heat
- Let the lavender steep for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor
- Strain out the lavender and let the syrup cool completely
Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Now that we’ve got our lavender syrup ready, let’s hop into some of the best lavender cocktails you can make with it for some inspiration!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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The classic and fan-favorite lemon drop martini cocktail gets a floral lavender twist! Fresh lemon juice, smooth vodka, lavender syrup, and a hint of orange liqueur come together for a drink that’s a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and sippable.
Just add everything to a cocktail shaker, and pour out this delicious drink for any spring or summer occasion. Finish with a sugar rim and a lemon wheel to add a touch of class perfect for girls’ night, bridal showers, and more.
There’s a reason that the lemon drop is such a classic, and this floral version is a fun way to add a seasonal twist, while keeping it a crowd-pleaser!
Lavender lemonade has to be one of the most classic combinations when it comes to floral sips, and this lavender vodka lemonade embraces it, plus a boozy kick!
Just 3 ingredients and no fancy equipment needed – just pour, stir, and enjoy! This refreshing lemonade is perfect for spring and summer sipping, and so easy to make by the glass or by the pitcher, making it ideal for entertaining as well.
If you love this classic combination, make sure to check out all of my Vodka Lemonade Recipes for flavors to suit any season or palate!
If strong, smooth sips are more your style, then you’ll enjoy this lavender Old Fashioned. Here, bourbon or rye whiskey balances the floral sweetness from the lavender syrup, with a dash of citrus bitters to bring everything together.
It’s another easy cocktail, with just 3 ingredients, and no special equipment needed to prepare it. I recommend a large ice cube or sphere, which takes a bit longer to melt, so you have longer to enjoy your drink.
I think it’s a perfect drink for those summer nights by the fire! For more great seasonal whiskey based sips, make sure to check out my S’mores Old Fashioned and Peach Old Fashioned too!
This lavender gin fizz is refreshing, bubbly, and perfect for spring and summer sipping! Herbal gin complements tangy lemon juice, floral lavender, and a hint of elderflower liqueur for a drink that always hits the spot.
I serve mine stirred (not shaken) over ice, so you could actually call this drink a lavender elderflower Collins instead, especially if you swap to a tall, narrow glass for serving. However, you can always shake it if preferred, or change things up to make it your own.
Whether you call it a lavender fizz or a lavender Collins, it’s going to be delicious! If you’re loving the fizzy gin combo, also check out my Watermelon Gin Fizz for another great summer sipper!
A lavender mojito makes use of white rum as the base liquor! It’s a perfect companion to the bright lime, herbal mint, soft lavender, and bubbly club soda finish.
This drink is another simple one to make, with not even a shaker required. You should muddle the mint, but if you don’t have a muddler you can use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or something similar from your kitchen.
Bring everything together for a drink that’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for warm spring and summer days! For a fun flavor variation, you can also add a bit of lavender to my Blueberry Mojito for a fruity twist!
Lavender meets your favorite classic margarita ingredients for a floral spin on a classic! Blanco tequila, tart lime, and some triple sec for a citrus punch make for a well balanced and delicious sip.
Just shake it up and serve on the rocks (or you can even blend with ice for a frozen version)! I like to serve mine with a salt rim, including some culinary lavender buds for a lovely added touch, but you can customize it just to your liking!
Looking for more summery tequila based sips? Try my frozen Strawberry Margarita or a pink lemonade Pink Whitney Margarita too!
This lavender gin sour is the perfect cocktail for anyone who loves their drinks sweet and tart (but unlike a lemon drop, this one features gin instead of vodka as the base)! Though, if you don’t like either, it works great with whiskey too for a lavender whiskey sour!
Just add the 3 ingredients to a shaker (plus some pasteurized egg whites if you want some luscious foam on top) and shake up this stunning purple sip into your favorite rocks glass. Pro tip: if you have a frother or immersion blender, you can use that to make the foam even easier!
For another great tangy summer sip, try my Watermelon Whiskey Sour or Strawberry Whiskey Sour!
This lavender vodka spritz is fun, refreshing, bubbly, and just 4 ingredients! Smooth vodka goes perfectly with fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup of course, and a bubbly lemon sparkling water finish.
Like the gin fizz further up the list, you could also add a touch of elderflower liqueur, or change up the flavors of sparkling water to create different variations. It’s super customizable but always delicious!
You don’t even need any fancy equipment to make a spritz – just stir the base, add ice, and top with the carbonated element. That’s it! If you love the refreshing simplicity of a spritz, check out my Vodka Lemonade Spritz and Spring Spritzer as well for other great options!
The lavender Moscow Mule pairs soft lavender with tangy lime juice, clean vodka, and a zesty, bubbly finish thanks to ginger beer! It’s best served in a copper mug over crushed ice for maximum refreshment, but any tall glass works fine if you don’t have one.
It’s another one that I love because it’s so simple. Just mix the base, add ice and top with ginger beer before another quick stir to enjoy. You can scale and mix the base in a pitcher for parties too, just adding the carbonated element right before serving for best freshness.
If you love this cocktail, you’d enjoy my Blackberry Kentucky Mule or Limoncello Mule too this summer!
One of my favorite cocktails in general is this lavender Bees Knees! This floral twist on a Prohibition Era cocktail features gin, lemon, lavender, and wildflower honey (though you can swap in rum for a lavender Honey Bee variation)!
Just give everything a good shake, and pour into a small martini or couple glass. It’s just the right blend of herbal, elegant, and sweet, making it great for slightly fancier occasions, but still simple and delicious enough for an anytime drink.
Love diving into history with Prohibition era cocktails? Try my Green Ghost Cocktail too, which is another gin-based drink I love for Halloween.
Lavender sangria is one of those light feeling, refreshing, and sippable cocktails that’s perfect for summer! You can customize it with your favorite fresh fruits (I use blueberries and lemons), and even different liqueurs (I use elderflower) for different flavors!
Add that to a base of crisp white wine, a floral sweetness from the lavender syrup, and a refreshing bubbly finish. It’s another one of those drinks that’s easy to make by the glass or the pitcher, and sangria is perfect made in advance, as the more the fruit soaks the tastier it is!
Serve lavender sangria as part of a summer sangria flight with my Pink Lemonade Sangria and Crown Royal Peach Sangria!
For something a little elegant, a lot delicious, and completely perfect for brunch, try a lavender French 75. It’s a classic cocktail given a floral twist on the base recipe of gin, champagne, and lemon.
Of course, you could just skip the gin and lemon entirely and pour in champagne or prosecco for a lavender mimosa option too, but I truly like the subtle herbal notes and little tartness from the lemon to make a well-rounded sip.
Falling in love with this classic drink? Try my Limoncello French 75 for another spring and summer brunchy-worthy beverage!
Last but certainly not least, these lavender lemonade Jello shots are one of my favorites, especially for parties! They’re so easy to make ahead, easily serve a crowd, and are such a showstopper, especially when served in hollowed out lemons.
The combination of sweet lavender with herbal gin (or vodka) and juice from the lemons you hollow out makes for a delicious combination. Despite the fancy presentation, they’re actually very easy to make, and always a crowd pleaser.
You can build a whole display with different varieties for your cookout or other summer get together. Add these fun Pool Party Jello Shots to the mix for a great option!
Pairing Suggestions for Lavender Cocktails
Appetizers
- Goat cheese crostini: Tangy and creamy with floral cocktails. Try my Peach Bruschetta with goat cheese for a delicious option!
- Brie with honey: Soft, buttery flavors pair beautifully with lavender
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon: Sweet, salty, and refreshing
- Marinated olives: A briny contrast to bright citrus and floral notes
Seasonal Dishes
- Strawberry spinach salad: Fruity and fresh with a light vinaigrette
- Arugula salad with lemon dressing: Peppery greens balance sweeter cocktails
- Caprese salad: Clean, simple flavors that work well with botanical drinks. My Red White and Blue Caprese Salad is a perfect summery pick!
- Herb-roasted chicken: Savory without overpowering delicate lavender flavors. My Air Fryer Lemon Chicken is a great choice
Main Course
- Grilled shrimp: Slight sweetness pairs naturally with citrus and lavender
- Fish tacos: Lime and fresh toppings complement floral cocktails beautifully
- Chicken skewers: Easy and versatile for entertaining spreads. Try some Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs!
Desserts
- Lemon bars: Bright citrus and lavender are a classic combination
- Shortbread cookies: Buttery and simple, letting the cocktails shine
- Berry desserts: Blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry flavors pair especially well with lavender. Air Fryer Blackberry Cobbler is one of my favorite pairings!
- Macarons: Elegant and lightly sweet for showers or parties
Occasion Vibes
Perfect for brunches, bridal showers, garden parties, spring celebrations, or relaxed summer evenings with friends!
Lavender Cocktail FAQs
What Liquor Goes Best With Lavender?
Gin is one of the best liquors for lavender because its botanical flavors naturally complement the floral notes. Vodka, champagne, bourbon, and rum also pair well depending on whether you want the drink to feel light and refreshing or richer and more warming.
What Is A Good Lavender Cocktail?
Popular lavender cocktails include lavender mules, lavender Bee’s Knees cocktails, lavender gin sours, lavender spritzes, and lavender lemonades. Lavender works especially well in citrus-forward drinks where the bright acidity balances the floral flavor.
What Mixes Well With Lavender?
Lavender pairs well with citrus fruits like lemon and orange, berries, honey, vanilla, mint, rosemary, and elderflower. In cocktails, it also mixes beautifully with sparkling wine, tonic water, lemonade, and botanical spirits like gin.
How To Make Lavender Mimosa Drink?
To make a lavender mimosa, combine chilled champagne or prosecco with orange juice and a small splash of lavender syrup. Stir gently and garnish with a lavender sprig or orange slice for an elegant brunch cocktail.
Tips For Using Lavender in Drinks
- Use culinary lavender only. Culinary-grade lavender has the best flavor and is safe for food and drinks. Decorative or craft lavender may taste overly perfumed or bitter
- A little goes a long way. Lavender can quickly overpower a drink, so start small and adjust to taste!
- Don’t over-steep. If making syrup or infusions, steep too long and the flavor can become soapy or medicinal
- Balance sweetness carefully. Lavender shines best when balanced with acidity and a touch of sweetness rather than being overly sugary
- Don’t overdo the floral flavors. Balance lavender with acidity, sweetness, or bubbles so the drink stays refreshing rather than perfumed
Garnishing and Serving Lavender Cocktails
- Garnish lightly. A tiny lavender sprig, mint leaf, or lemon twist adds elegance without overwhelming the aroma
- Serve cold when possible. Lavender flavors tend to feel fresher and more balanced in chilled drinks. Chill the alcohol and even the glasses in your fridge for extra chill with less dilution!
- Choose the right glassware. Coupes feel elegant for sours and spritzes, while highball glasses work well for mules and lemonade-style drinks
- Use clear ice when possible. It makes light-colored cocktails look extra polished and elevated!
- Add sparkle thoughtfully. Edible flowers, dried lavender, or a sugared berry can make drinks feel party-ready
More Spring & Summer Cocktails
- Summer Sangria Recipes
- Watermelon Vodka Drinks
Final Thoughts
These lavender cocktails bring the best of floral sips together, so you can find just the right option to suit any palate or occasion. Each one highlights the soft lavender notes, while pairing it with natural complements like citrus, berries, and all sorts of base alcohols.
The purple coloring and refreshing flavors make lavender cocktails particularly good for spring and summer, whether it’s for a garden party, Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, girls’ night, or just relaxing after long days!
So, grab your favorite cocktail glass and try some of these delicious lavender cocktails at your next get together. Cheers!
