April 23, 2021

The Lavender Gimlet

This lavender gimlet is a variation on a classic cocktail. When it was created, the gimlet was a sweet drink made with equal amounts of gin and lime cordial.

Over the years, cocktails have become less sweet as tastes have changed. And the gimlet is no exception.

If you haven’t been harvesting and drying your lavender every year, lavender blossoms are readily available online. Just be sure to purchase blossoms that are intended for culinary use.

FAQs about the lavender gimlet

Is a gimlet supposed to be over ice or straight?

Either one. A gimlet on the rocks is a completely acceptable alternative (see pic). I am told that the rocks ice – that big ice cube – is more critical than what glass you use because the large cube has lower surface area and does not dilute your drink as much.

What is a “botanical” gin?

Here’s a good start to understanding gins, from dry to the sweeter botanicals.

Why is that lavender gimlet on the rocks purple?

It was made with Empress1908 gin, which gets its deep violet color from being infused with butterfly pea blossoms.

Can I substitute another alcohol in place of the gin?

Yes, if a lavender gin cocktail isn’t your thing, the gimlet is highly adaptable to vodka or other alcohols.

Is there a right or wrong way to shake a cocktail?

No, go ahead and shake to whatever song you like. But there a few things you shouldn’t do.

Why is this 2 servings?

Our good friends at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism inform us that a standard drink for distilled spirits is 1.5 ounces.

I have an overgrown lavender bush in my yard too! When do I harvest the lavender?

Cut off the stems when the flowers have begun to bud, but the flowers have not yet opened.

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Lavender gimlet

Servings

Calories 119kcal

Author uglyducklingbakery

Equipment

Cocktail shaker

Ingredients

Lavender simple syrup

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 tbsp lavender blossoms

Lavender gimlet

3 oz gin, ideally a botanical gin like Uncle Val's
½ oz lavender simple syrup
½ oz lime juice

Instructions

Lavender simple syrup

Combine the sugar, water, and lavender blossoms in a small pot and bring to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and let the syrup steep for 30 minutes.
1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp lavender blossoms, 1/2 cup water
Filter the syrup into a small container using a chinois or as fine a strainer as you have.
Cool and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Lavender gimlet

Combine all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker along with ice and shake for ~10-12 seconds.
3 oz gin, ideally a botanical gin like Uncle Val's, 1/2 oz lavender simple syrup, 1/2 oz lime juice
Strain the gimlet into a martini glass or into a lowball (rocks) glass with an ice cube and garnish with a slice of lime.