If you love strong, sippable drinks, but still want to add a delicate floral twist perfect for spring, then you’ll love this lavender Old Fashioned! It’s a simple cocktail that’s great for spring and summer occasions, though I particularly enjoy it for warm summer nights by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A classic with a twist. It keeps the rich, smooth character of an Old Fashioned while adding a subtle floral layer
- Perfectly balanced. The warmth of bourbon pairs beautifully with the light sweetness and aroma of lavender
- Sophisticated flavor. Slightly herbal, slightly sweet, and deeply smooth, it feels elevated without being complicated
- Great for year-round sipping. Cozy enough for cooler months, but unique enough to serve at spring gatherings
- Simple ingredients. Just a few components create a complex, impressive cocktail
- A standout cocktail. It’s familiar enough for Old Fashioned lovers but different enough to feel special!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- ½ ounce lavender simple syrup (such as Torani)
- 2-3 dashes orange, lemon, or lavender bitters
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- While premade lavender syrup is convenient, you can also make your own by simmering a 50:50 mix of sugar and water until dissolved, then steep 2-3 Tbsp of culinary lavender for 20-30 minutes. Strain with a fine mesh strainer, cool, and use as desired. A sugar-free syrup is also fine!
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of bitters as desired. I’m using orange Angostura here, but lavender works well with many citrus and berry flavors!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the whiskey or bourbon and the lavender syrup to a rocks or Old Fashioned glass, and stir gently to combine
- Shake 2-3 dashes of orange bitters (or other flavors as desired) over the top
- Place a large cube (or sphere) of ice into the glass (large ice cubes melt more slowly, for less dilution), then garnish with a sprig of culinary lavender or a twist of orange peel if desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Savory Bites
- Charcuterie board: Cured meats, aged cheeses, and nuts match the drink’s depth and complexity
- Smoked meats: Brisket, pork, or smoked sausage echo the bourbon’s warm, smoky notes.Try my Air Fryer Burnt Ends!
- Steak bites: Rich, savory flavors pair naturally with a spirit-forward cocktail. My Air Fryer Steak Bites are a great choice!
- Mushroom crostini: Earthy flavors complement the herbal, floral notes
Cheese Pairings
- Aged cheddar: Sharp and bold against the smooth bourbon
- Gouda (especially smoked): Sweet and nutty with a hint of smoke
- Blue cheese: Strong, tangy flavors create a bold contrast
- Brie: Soft and creamy for a more mellow pairing
Desserts
- Dark chocolate: Bittersweet richness pairs beautifully with bourbon and lavender
- Chocolate truffles: Smooth and indulgent with a hint of sweetness
- Shortbread cookies: Buttery and simple, letting the drink shine
- Almond cake: Lightly nutty flavors complement the floral notes
Simple Snacks
- Roasted nuts: Salty and crunchy to balance the drink
- Pretzels: A classic salty contrast
- Popcorn: Light and easy alongside a strong cocktail
Occasion Vibes
Perfect for evening sipping, dinner parties, date nights, or anytime you want a cocktail that feels a little more refined and cozy!
Recipe FAQs
Does Bourbon Go Well With Lavender?
Yes! Bourbon pairs surprisingly well with lavender. The warm, slightly sweet notes of bourbon complement lavender’s light floral flavor, creating a balanced and aromatic cocktail when used in moderation.
What Alcohol Pairs Well With Lavender?
Lavender works best with lighter, botanical spirits like gin and vodka, but it also pairs nicely with bourbon or rye whiskey for a richer, more complex flavor. Sparkling wine is another great option for a light, refreshing finish.
What Flavors Pair Nicely With Lavender?
Lavender pairs well with citrus (lemon, orange), berries, honey, vanilla, and herbs like mint and rosemary. These flavors help balance its floral notes and keep it from becoming overpowering. Feel free to customize your bitters and garnishes to make different combinations!
Tips For the Best Lavender Old Fashioned
- An Old Fashioned is considered a strong drink due to the lack of mixers. If you find it too strong, you can dilute it with a small amount of cold water (or wait for the ice to melt), or even add a splash of lemonade
- As written, I feel the drink leans sweet (but not overly so). However, you can use a sugar-free syrup or reduce the amount used if it’s too sweet for you. Fresh lemon juice or cold water can be added to dilute the sweetness (and the drink) overall. For a sweeter drink, add a little honey or plain simple syrup to taste (adding more lavender can make it too floral)
Serving and Make Ahead
Serving Tips
- Use a rocks glass. A classic Old Fashioned glass keeps the presentation timeless and lets the color shine!
- Express a citrus peel. A twist of orange or lemon peel adds aroma and brightens the drink; rub it along the rim of the glass for extra impact!
- Serve immediately. This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh while perfectly chilled and balanced
Make Ahead
- Pre-mix the base. Scale for desired servings and combine the bourbon or whiskey, lavender syrup, and bitters ahead of time and store in a sealed container at room temperature or in the fridge
- Skip the ice until serving. Always add ice right before serving to avoid dilution!
- Stir before pouring. Give your pre-mixed batch a quick stir to ensure everything is well combined!
- Prep garnishes in advance. Slice citrus peels and store them in an airtight container in the fridge
Final Thoughts
This lavender Old Fashioned is a sweet, floral twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail that’s perfect for springtime, summer nights, or anytime you want something a little different! It’s a strong drink great for slow sipping, and one I particularly enjoy around the fire pit.
With just 3 ingredients, it’s easy to make, yet still customizable as well. Try different bourbons or whiskies, and add different bitters to round out the flavors. Lavender goes well with citrus and berries in particular, so there are lots of possibilities!
Katie’s tip
For more great floral drinks, make sure to check out all of my Lavender Cocktails for a variety of ideas to work for any occasion or palate!
Lavender Old Fashioned (Whiskey or Bourbon)
Equipment
- Old fashioned glass (or similar lowball style glass)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon (I use Bulleit rye)
- ½ ounce lavender simple syrup (such as Torani)
- 2-3 dashes orange, lemon, or lavender bitters
- 1 large ice cube (or sphere)
Instructions
- Add the whiskey or bourbon and the lavender syrup to a rocks or Old Fashioned glass, and stir gently to combine2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon, ½ ounce lavender simple syrup
- Shake 2-3 dashes of orange bitters (or other flavors as desired) over the top2-3 dashes orange, lemon, or lavender bitters
- Place a large cube (or sphere) of ice into the glass, then garnish with a sprig of culinary lavender or a twist of orange peel if desired (optional). Enjoy!1 large ice cube
Notes
- I use premade lavender syrup for convenience, but you can make your own if preferred by simmering a 50:50 mix of sugar and water until dissolved, then steep 2-3 Tbsp of culinary lavender for 20-30 minutes. Strain, cool, and use as desired. A sugar-free syrup is also fine here to reduce sweetness (you can also thin with a little cold water or lemon juice to balance both strength and sweetness to your preference)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
