Description
Refreshing blueberry lavender lemonade cocktail combines summer’s most delightful flavors in one elegant glass. Herbal notes and sweet berries mingle with vodka, creating a sophisticated sipper perfect for afternoon gatherings or sunset celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz (56 g) vodka (or gin for a botanical twist)
- 1 oz (28 g) fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz (28 g) blueberry lavender syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
- 3 oz (85 g) sparkling water or club soda
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Fresh blueberries (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Lavender sprigs (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Syrup Creation: Combine blueberries, water, sugar, dried lavender, and lemon zest in a saucepan, heating over medium flame to extract vibrant flavors and rich purple hues.
- Flavor Infusion: Gently crush blueberries while simmering, then remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, allowing the floral and fruity essences to fully develop.
- Straining Process: Press the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, extracting maximum flavor and discarding solids, then cool the liquid completely to preserve its delicate character.
- Cocktail Preparation: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, adding chilled vodka, fresh lemon juice, and the prepared blueberry lavender syrup, then shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to ensure thorough blending.
- Serving Technique: Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with fresh blueberries, a lemon slice, and a lavender sprig to create a visually stunning and aromatic beverage.
Notes
- Optimize Blueberry Crushing: Gently press blueberries during simmering to release maximum flavor without turning them into a complete mush, preserving their vibrant color and texture.
- Control Lavender Intensity: Use dried lavender sparingly to prevent overwhelming the cocktail with a soapy or perfumey taste; start with a small amount and adjust to personal preference.
- Strain Carefully: Press syrup solids firmly through the fine-mesh sieve to extract every bit of flavor, but avoid pushing through bitter seeds or tough berry skins.
- Chill for Peak Flavor: Allow blueberry lavender syrup to cool completely before mixing to ensure the cocktail’s temperature remains crisp and the flavors meld perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg