We’ve technically got about a month of spring left before it’s officially summer, and the best way to celebrate is with an icy, fresh cocktail bursting with spring flavor. This Lavender Lemonade Bourbon Smash includes fresh lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, bourbon, and some club soda for some bubbles. Fresh lemon juice is really what makes this cocktail. The lavender adds a subtle floral taste, and it can be made with fresh or dried lavender.
I personally am a little new to looking at floral flavors, like lavender, as ingredients in recipes, but when you mix them right they are so refreshing and perfect in a cold drink. Lavender pairs really well with citrus, which makes the perfect spring cocktail that can last into summer. I’ve tried this with both regular bourbon and with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey whiskey, but you can use whatever is your favorite.
If you think you don’t like floral flavors, I strongly urge you to try this cocktail. It’ll change your mind, and if not, there’s always bourbon.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp lavender buds
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 lemons)
4 cups water (divided)
bourbon (of your choice)
1 liter of club soda
Directions:
To make lavender lemonade:
In a large bowl, rub lavender into the granulated sugar until fragrant. Add the lavender, sugar, and one cup of water to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and let it cook for five minutes. Remove from heat and let the lavender syrup cool completely. Once cool, pour the syrup through a mesh sieve, which will remove the lavender buds, and into a pitcher. Add the fresh lemon juice and the rest of the water.
To make each cocktail:
Fill a glass halfway with ice. Add one cup of lavender lemonade and one ounce of bourbon (taste and adjust). Top with club soda.
