This recipe combines the refreshing zest of lemon with the subtle, sweet floral notes of lavender, creating a sophisticated, refreshing cocktail perfect for summer evenings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Vodka for a clean, smooth base.
• 1 oz Homemade Lavender Syrup to bring a floral sweetness. (For the syrup: simmer water, sugar, and culinary-grade dried lavender. Let cool.)
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice for that essential citrus tang.
• 1/4 oz Orange Liqueur about 1/4 ounce, to add depth and complexity.
• 2 Dashes Lavender Bitters enhancing the lavender profile.
• Sugar: For rimming the glass adding a sweet touch to every sip.

Instructions

• Prepare Your Glass: Begin by spreading sugar on a small plate. Moisten the rim of your martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip into the sugar to coat. Set aside.
• Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, lavender syrup, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and lavender bitters. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
• Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of lavender.

Pro Tips:

• Making Lavender Syrup: Create your syrup in advance to allow it to cool and infuse thoroughly. A basic ratio is 1 cup water to 1 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons of dried lavender. Simmer until sugar dissolves, then let it steep off the heat for 20 minutes before straining.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter or more sour martini, adjust the amount of lavender syrup or lemon juice to taste.