Lavender French 75 Recipe

By
Kelly Carámbula
Kelly Carámbula is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Kelly Carámbula

Kelly Carámbula is an artist and sculptor based in San Francisco. Kelly was the designer and publisher behind Remedy Quarterly (2009–2018), a magazine about food memories and the recipes that inspire them, as well as an award-winning food blogger at The Best Remedy.

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Updated May. 01, 2019
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Thank goodness spring is finally here. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, I mean, what more could you want? Perhaps a tasty cocktail, that's what. With all the action going on outside, I decided it was high time to create a floral-inspired cocktail. Lavender, which is a member of the mint family, is the perfect starting point.

Lemon is a natural partner for lavender, bringing a bright, fresh flavor, while gin highlights the herbal side. That's a good start, but it still seemed like it was missing something—I wanted a little more pizzazz. A quick flip through some of my recipe books led me to a French 75—a classic combination of lemon juice, gin, simple syrup, and the kicker—Champagne. Hell yeah, let's add a little bubbly action to this celebration!

This festive take on a classic drink tastes like spring—a little floral, a little bright, and a little bubbly—just right, if you ask me.

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Recipe Facts

Active: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serves: 1 serving

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Ingredients

  • For the Lavender Syrup:
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • For the Cocktail:
  • 1 ounce lavender syrup
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 2 ounces Champagne or other sparkling wine

Directions

  1. To make the lavender syrup: Combine lavender, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over high heat until boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Lavender syrup will keep for one week in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

  2. To make the cocktail: Fill a Collins or tall rocks glass 3/4 full of ice. Add the lavender syrup, gin and lemon juice and gently stir. Top off with Champagne or sparkling wine.

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