As a bartender, you're always looking for new and interesting flavors to add to your cocktails and mocktails. One of the lesser-known but very flavorful ingredients you can use is lavender. Lavender is mainly associated with perfume and soap, but it can also be a surprising addition to drinks.
In this blog post, we delve into what lavender is, how you can make your own lavender syrup, and how to use it in cocktails and mocktails!
What is lavender and what makes it special?
Lavender is a fragrant plant that can enrich your drinks with its unique aroma. It is an herb that originates from the Mediterranean and is known for its calming and relaxing properties. In the bar world, lavender is mainly used as a flavor enhancer in (non-alcoholic) cocktails. Adding lavender to your drink can provide a subtle, floral taste and aroma. Lavender not only has a distinctive flavor but also enhances the appearance of your drinks, thanks to the flower and its lilac color. This color is very 'Instagrammable,' making it likely that your customers will snap a photo of the lavender drink to share on social media!
Lavender: a surprising and delicious addition to your drink menu
Lavender cocktails are a delightful addition to the cocktail culture. With their subtle, floral taste, they offer a refreshing change from traditional cocktails. As a bar, you want to constantly surprise your customers with new flavor combinations and drinks. That’s why lavender is an ingredient you shouldn’t miss! This flower not only releases a delightful fragrance but also adds a subtle and refreshing flavor to cocktails and mocktails. Moreover, lavender also has a calming effect, making it perfect for drinks intended for relaxation.
What is the best flavor combination for lavender cocktails?
As a bar professional, it’s important to know and understand the flavors of different ingredients. Lavender has a unique and complex taste that is both sweet and floral, with hints of citrus and herbs. It is a popular addition to cocktails and other drinks because of its subtle flavor and the beautiful purple color it can give to a drink. However, it’s important to remember that lavender has a powerful taste, so it should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the flavor. Use lavender as a garnish or as an addition to sugar syrup to impart a subtle floral aroma to your drinks.
Lavender cocktails and mocktails are wonderfully refreshing and bring a touch of the French Provence to your glass. To create the perfect flavor combination, it’s best to choose ingredients that pair well with the floral and herbal aromas of lavender.
A good option is to add citrus fruits, such as lemon or lime. These provide a fresh and sour taste that complements the lavender. You can also opt for other herbs like thyme or rosemary, which enhance the flavor of lavender.
When it comes to alcohol, gin works excellently with lavender cocktails. But vodka and rum also pair well with the floral taste of lavender.
A great cocktail to try is the Lavender-Lime Gin Fizz. For this, mix 45ml gin, 15ml fresh lime juice, 15ml lavender syrup, 30ml sparkling water, and ice in a shaker. Shake well and pour the mixture into a glass. Garnish with a sprig of lavender and a slice of lime.
As a bar professional, you can use lavender to give your cocktails and mocktails an extra dimension. Consider making lavender syrup by cooking sugar, water, and lavender flowers until a thick, sweet liquid forms. You can also sprinkle lavender leaves and flowers into your drinks for a subtle flavor and beautiful presentation. Be careful with the amount of lavender you use, as too much can quickly become overwhelming. Try out these tips and surprise your customers with delicious lavender cocktails and mocktails.
(Beautiful straws for your lavender cocktails and mocktails can be found here)
Which types of drinks are suitable for lavender cocktails?
Lavender cocktails are very popular due to their unique taste and aroma. There are several types of drinks that are suitable for making a lavender cocktail, including:
1. Gin - Gin pairs perfectly with the floral taste of lavender and is a favorite for making lavender cocktails.
2. Vodka - Vodka has a neutral taste, making it a good choice to bring out the lavender flavor.
3. Tequila - Tequila gives a unique taste to the lavender cocktail and provides a spicier flavor.
4. Rum - Rum is a sweet drink that can be well combined with lavender for a sweet and floral cocktail.
5. Champagne - Champagne can be used to make a sparkling lavender cocktail that’s perfect for special occasions.
In addition to these drinks, other liqueurs, such as St. Germain or Cointreau, can also be used to add an extra dimension to the lavender cocktail. When making a lavender cocktail, it’s important to experiment with different drinks until the perfect taste is achieved.
Lavender is a versatile herb that pairs excellently with alcoholic drinks. It’s important to know that lavender has a strong flavor and should therefore be used in moderation. Start with a small amount of this ingredient and add more to taste. You can add lavender to your cocktails in various ways, for example, in the form of syrup, tincture, oil, or flowers.
Enhance the flavor of lavender with the right drink choice
The flavor of lavender can be enhanced by choosing the right drink. Lavender pairs well with light, aromatic drinks like gin, vodka, and white wine. These drinks have a subtle flavor that doesn’t conflict with the delicate taste of lavender. Additionally, there are also alcoholic drinks that naturally have a lavender-like taste, such as certain types of vermouth. By combining these drinks with lavender, the flavor is enhanced- Tips for combining lavender and alcohol
Lavender is a perfect addition to gin and tonics and other mixed drinks because it adds a subtle and refined taste. This purple flower has a light floral aroma and can help give the gin and tonic or other mixed drinks a refreshing twist. Moreover, lavender also has calming and relaxing properties, making it a perfect ingredient for a wonderfully relaxing evening at home. Try it out and discover how adding lavender can elevate your gin and tonic or mixed drinks to the next level.
(Sturdy straws for your lavender cocktails and mocktails can be found here)
What are popular lavender cocktails?
Three popular lavender cocktails are:
1. Lavender Martini: gin, vermouth, and lavender syrup
This classic cocktail is made with gin, vermouth, and a touch of lavender syrup. Garnish with a sprig of lavender for the perfect finishing touch.
2. Lavender Margarita: tequila, lavender syrup, lime juice, triple sec
A delicious twist on the classic margarita. Mix tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and add a dash of lavender syrup. Serve with a salted rim on the glass .
3. Lavender-Lime Gin Fizz: gin, fresh lime juice, lavender syrup, sparkling water, ice
This refreshing cocktail is made with gin, fresh lime juice, lavender syrup, sparkling water, and ice. Garnish with a sprig of lavender and a slice of lime for an extra touch.
Conclusion
Lavender cocktails are a unique and delicious addition to any drink menu. With their subtle, floral flavor and eye-catching purple color, they are sure to be a hit with your customers. Experiment with different types of drinks and flavors to create your own signature lavender cocktails and mocktails.
Do you need natural straws for your lavender cocktails and mocktails? At Straw by Straw, we offer a range of sustainable and natural straws that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving drinks at a party or simply enjoying a lavender cocktail at home, our eco-friendly straws add a touch of elegance to any drink. Explore our collection today and find the perfect straws for your lavender cocktails and mocktails!
