Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

Fans of the classic lemon drop will love this lavender version. Homemade lavender syrup adds a delicate, floral flavor that makes the cocktail elegant, beautiful and perfect for spring or summer sipping.

A martini glass with a pale drink, garnished with lavender, surrounded by lemons and lavender sprigs.

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About this Lavender Lemon Drop Martini recipe

The classic lemon drop martini is one of those cocktails I come back to again and again. Floral cocktails are having a moment, and lavender is one of the easiest ways to give a classic drink a lovely seasonal twist.

Instead of the plain simple syrup I’d use in a classic lemon drop martini, this version uses homemade lavender syrup for a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with bright lemon juice. The result is a gorgeous drink that’s both balanced and fragrant.

Serve it for a spring brunch, an Easter gathering or your next happy hour when you’re in the mood for something a little different.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  1. Every sip is bright and refreshing. Fresh lemon juice balances the sweetness of the syrup beautifully.
  2. Entertaining is easy. Make the lavender syrup ahead of time, then shake up cocktails in just a few minutes.
  3. Dessert lovers will approve. This cocktail is sweet enough to feel like an after-dinner treat while still tasting crisp and refreshing.
A pale yellow cocktail in a martini glass, garnished with lavender, with lemons and lavender sprigs nearby.

Ingredients & essentials

Homemade lavender syrup gives this cocktail its signature flavor. It adds enough sweetness to complement the lemon without overpowering the drink.

Vodka provides a clean, smooth base, and freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the cocktail its brightness. Triple sec adds another layer of citrus flavor and helps round out the flavors of the drink.

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Don’t miss Vodka 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.

A lemon twist is all you need for garnish, though a sugar rim is a welcome addition (and classic in many lemon drop martinis). Try rimming the glass with lemon sugar for a classic finish or lavender sugar for a pop of floral color and flavor.

To make this cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker *, a jigger for measuring and a chilled martini glass *.

A martini glass with a pale cocktail garnished with lavender, lemons, and more lavender in the background.

Instructions

Start with a homemade lavender syrup and then you’re ready to shake up this drink! You can batch the syrup and juice the fresh lemons ahead of time.

Hand pouring white sugar from a measuring cup into a metal pot on a stove, viewed from above.
A teal silicone spatula rests in a pot of clear liquid on a stovetop.
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water.
  1. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Do not let boil

Shake the cocktail well. A good shake chills the drink quickly and gives it the smooth texture a lemon drop is known for.

Water is being poured into a Pyrex measuring cup filled with beads on a white background.
Clear measuring cup with water, purple dried flowers, and a teal spatula stirring inside.
  1. Remove from heat and stir in the lavender flowers.
  1. Let rest for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, longer for a stronger flavor.
Pale yellow liquid being poured into a crystal glass filled with ice, on a white surface.
Champagne being poured into a martini glass with lemons and lavender on a marble table in the background.
  1. To a cocktail shaker * filled with ice, add the vodka, lemon juice, lavender syrup and triple sec. Shake well.
  1. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist
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Tips & tricks

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same fresh, vibrant taste.
  • Taste your lavender syrup before mixing the cocktail. If it’s especially strong, you can use a little less to keep the flavor balanced.
  • For the most aromatic garnish, twist the lemon peel over the glass before dropping it into the cocktail. This releases the citrus oils onto the surface of the drink.
A cocktail in a glass garnished with a sprig of lavender, with lemons and herbs in the background.

Serving suggestions

This lavender lemon drop martini is a beautiful cocktail for spring brunches, bridal showers, Easter celebrations or summer evenings on the patio.

The bright lemon flavor and delicate lavender notes pair especially well with appetizers like whipped feta dip or charcuterie cups.

For dessert, serve it alongside mini lemon tarts, chocolate-covered strawberries or shortbread cookies. 

For a fun summer party idea, try having a lemon drop bar with classic, lavender and strawberry lemon drop options. It will be a colorful and impressive display.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought lavender syrup?

Yes. Homemade lavender syrup has the freshest flavor, but a good-quality store-bought syrup will also work.

Can I use store-bought lavender syrup?

Yes. Homemade lavender syrup has the freshest flavor, but a good-quality store-bought syrup will also work.

Can I make lavender lemon drop martinis ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the lavender syrup in advance, then mix the vodka, lemon juice, triple sec and syrup together. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, then shake with ice before pouring.

Can I make this cocktail sweeter or tarter?

Absolutely. Add a little more lavender syrup for a sweeter cocktail or an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you prefer a brighter, more tart finish.

Martini glass with pale yellow drink, garnished with lavender; lemons and lavender sprigs nearby.

Lavendar Lemon Drop Martini

Yield: 1 drink
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
A floral twist on the classic lemon drop martini, made with homemade lavender syrup.
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ingredients

Lavender Syrup

  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¼ cup dried lavender flowers or about 20 fresh lavender flowers, stems removed

Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

instructions

Lavender Syrup

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Do not let boil.
    ¾ cup sugar, ¾ cup water
  • Remove from heat and stir in the lavender flowers. Let rest for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, longer for a stronger flavor. Strain out the flowers with a fine-mesh sieve.
    ¼ cup dried lavender flowers
  • Let cool completely.

Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

  • To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, lemon juice, lavender syrup and triple sec. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
    1½ ounces vodka, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1 ounce lavender syrup, ½ ounce triple sec, ice
  • Garnish with a lemon twist and a washed, fresh lavender bloom.
    1 twist lemon zest, 1 sprig fresh lavender

notes

Batching: This cocktail can be made ahead for easy entertaining. Prepare the lavender syrup in advance, and let it cool. Then mix and refrigerate the rest until ready to serve.

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nutrition information

Yield: 1 drink

amount per serving:

Serving: 4ounces Calories: 224kcal Carbohydrates: 27g Protein: 0.1g Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.03g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g Sodium: 18mg Potassium: 52mg Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 26g Vitamin A: 2IU Vitamin C: 11mg Calcium: 6mg Iron: 1mg
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About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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