Lavender Gimlet Recipe
You need to try this simple Lavender Gimlet recipe! A Classic Gin Gimlet is taken to the next level with a dash of lavender to make a floral, refreshing and sophisticated drink that is perfect for warmer weather. Made in just minutes with fresh lime juice and sweetened with just a touch of simple syrup this serve will become your new favorite gin drink for summer!
This simple Lavender Gimlet is a really simple twist on a classic gin cocktail. Lavender is perfect for warm days and simple to keep on hand for drinks in the form of lavender bitters or extract.
Why this recipe works
A gin gimlet is a perfectly balanced drink with botanical flavors from the gin, sweetness from the simple syrup and tartness from the lime. But a Lavender Gimlet? A simple dash of lavender extract or bitters takes this classic recipe to the next level.
Related: Classic Gin Gimlet
The slightly floral flavor of lavender adds a sophisticated edge to this lavender gin drink, making it the perfect cocktail to serve in fancy glasses next time you have people to impress.
Just add a lime wheel garnish, an edible flower or even a fresh lavender sprig( if they’re in season) and your guests won’t believe how quick and easy it is to make a gin gimlet with lavender.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make an easy Lavender Gimlet:
I’m using Tanqueray gin at the moment as it has a nice classic flavor that works well in cocktails, but use whichever gin you prefer. I think one with hints of lavender in the botanicals would work really well here.
Vodka gimlets are also popular so if you’re not a big gin drinker feel free to use that instead!
If you don’t have any fresh limes to hand, sub in Rose’s Lime Juice in place of both the lime and the simple syrup – it will add its own sweetness.
Store-bought simple syrup is really quick and easy, but it is also super cheap and easy to make your own.
I don’t think it matters if you use lavender extract or bitters in this recipe, as long as you’re adding something which will add that lovely floral lavender flavor – even a lavender simple syrup would work.
Just remember to slowly add whatever you do use to taste as too much lavender can make the drink taste soapy. Yuck!
*Note: lavender extract is much more potent than lavender bitters so start with just a drop and taste and adjust.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.
Directions
Step 1
Measure the gin, lime juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Step 2
Add just a dash of lavender extract or bitters – you can always add more, but if you add too much at first it will ruin the drink!
*Note, I decided to put lavender extract in my mouth directly to taste the strength. That was the wrong move. I feel like I burned my whole mouth, seriously, a little goes a long way!
Step 3
Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Step 4
Garnish with a lime wheel, and an edible flower if you are feeling fancy!
I served this in a coupe glass but you can use whatever glassware you have!
Variations
- Rose Gimlet – to make a Rose Gimlet, use rosewater (or rosewater extract – which I also use in this strawberry mocktail) instead of the lavender extract or bitters.
- Experiment with different bitters – as you only add a dash of lavender bitters to this drink you can change things up by trying any other flavored bitters on your bar cart – I think orange would be delicious.
- Add cucumber – for an even more refreshing Lavender Cucumber Gimlet, muddle a few cucumber slices in the bottom of the cocktail shaker.
Top tips
- Chill the glasses in advance for the perfect cocktail. If you have space in the freezer, great! If not, place a few ice cubes in each glass to cool it while you make the drink and remove them just before you strain it into the glass.
- Squeeze the lime juice in advance. If you’re planning on serving these lavender gimlets to a crowd, squeeze the juice in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days to make things easier when guests arrive.
- Amp up the lavender. I mentioned adding too much lavender extract or bitters can make the drink taste soapy. To add more lavender flavor without this issue muddle some edible lavender heads in the cocktail shaker with the gin, lime juice and simple syrup before adding the ice, shaking and straining. Or try using my lavender tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
I like to use lavender bitters or extract to add the lavender flavor to my drink as I think it tastes better, but for a pretty purple hue feel free to use a colored lavender simple syrup instead – Monin makes a good one.
Feel free to reduce the volume of gin a little. Or, for a slightly longer drink with a few bubbles add a splash of soda water. You can also use non-alcoholic gin! It has the herbal flavor but no booze!
Sure! It won’t quite be a traditional gimlet but lemon and lavender go really well together so it will still be delicious. Lemons are a little sweeter than limes so you may want to reduce the amount of simple syrup a little. You can do this anyway if you tend to like your drinks less sweet, like I do.
More easy gimlet recipes you may enjoy
- Best Cucumber Vodka Gimlet Recipe
- French Gimlet Cocktail Recipe with St Germain
- Best Watermelon Gimlet Recipe with Vodka
- Tequila Gimlet Recipe with Fresh Lime Juice
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Gin Gimlet with Lavender
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- dash lavender extract or bitters
Instructions
- Measure all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or edible flowers, if liked.
Notes
- Chill the glasses in advance for the perfect cocktail.
- If you’re planning on serving these lavender gimlets to a crowd, squeeze the juice in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To add more lavender flavor muddle some edible lavender heads in the cocktail shaker with the gin, lime juice and simple syrup before adding the ice, shaking and straining.