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I've got just the thing for those looking for a refreshing sipper come springtime! This Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour is the perfect balance of floral botanical notes and tartness - a delicious co*cktail to enjoy as you welcome warmer days.
With fragrant lavender syrup complimenting subtle elderflower liqueur, combined with gin and fresh lemon juice, each sip will transport you. This festive and elegant co*cktail will surely bring delight wherever it's served, whether at happy hour or brunch!
Elderflower and lavender are delicious in this refreshing co*cktail made with gin, elderflower liqueur, lavender simple syrup, lemon juice, and aquafaba. The subtle floral sweetness is balanced perfectly in a blend of flavors to take you from winter to spring.
Jump to:
- What is a gin sour?
- Ingredients
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How to make this Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour co*cktail Recipe
- How to make a lemon twist
- Equipment
- Storage
- Expert tip
- FAQ
- More Gin co*cktails
- Recipe
- Comments
Aquafaba, when shaken up, takes on a delicate, frothy texture that adds to the smoothness of this elegant co*cktail that's perfect for your next special occasion!
I was inspired to create this co*cktail recipe with lavender and elderflower, a variation on my Plum Ginger Gin Sour co*cktail I made over the fall.
Serve this refreshing co*cktail with these easy-to-makeVegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bitesfor a delicious appetizer and co*cktail combination!
Or serve it at brunch with this JUST Egg Frittata or JUST Egg Quiche.
Try this Pomegranate Gimlet, Hugo Spritz, Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz, or Blood Orange French 75 for more delicious co*cktails!
What is a gin sour?
A classic co*cktail, a traditional gin sour contains gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. The sourness and tartness of the lemon juice complement the sweetness of the simple syrup, making the perfect balance of sweet and sour!
I have replaced simple syrup with lavender syrup in this subtly floral variation of a gin sour.
To make this recipe vegan, I replaced egg whites with aquafaba, the bean water from a can. Then, it's shaken up with the remaining ingredients to create foam. It's optional, but it adds a lot to the smoothness and elegance of this co*cktail.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this easy-to-make lavender simple syrup:
- Sugar - I used organic vegan cane sugar, which is vegan.
- Water
- Lavender - culinary dried lavender buds - I found mine locally at Natural Grocers. Be sure to use culinary lavender. You can find it locally at health food stores or online.
These are the ingredients you need to make the Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour co*cktail:
- Gin - I used Empress 1908 Gin, a delicious gin. Find Empress Gin near you! This premium gin gets its all-natural unique indigo color from the infusion of butterfly pea flowers post-distillation. Feel free to use your favorite gin.
- Aquafaba - The high protein of this bean water from a can of chickpeas is a fantastic replacement for egg white in the classic recipe. Save the chickpeas for this Chickpea Quinoa Salad or Chickpea Tuna Salad.
- Elderflower liqueur - I used St. Germain.
- Lemon juice - fresh citrus juice is best. The tartness of the lemon complements the lavender syrup nicely!
- Lavender simple syrup (instructions are below) - a variation of simple syrup perfect for the coming of spring!
- Citrus for garnish, optional
- Lavender sprigs for garnish, optional. We grow lavender in a large pot in our yard!
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Aquafaba - if you don't have a can of chickpeas to get the bean water from, try a can of butter beans. I usually select a brand that has unsalted canned chickpeas. The aquafaba makes a lovely foam when shaken and adds an interesting visual element to the co*cktail; it is optional!
- Gin - if you don't care for gin, use vodka instead.
- Elderflower liqueur - use elderflower syrup instead, such as Belvoir.
- Lemon juice - use lime juice instead, although lemon juice is classic.
- Lavender syrup - try simple syrup instead or agave nectar.
- Garnish - add a lime or orange twist to the rim of the glass instead of garnishing with lemon.
Variations
If you want this gin sour co*cktail to be a bit sweeter or sourer, adjust the lavender simple syrup and lemon juice to your taste.
- Mocktail - skip the gin; replace it with sparkling water, soda water, ginger beer, or club soda.
- Angostura bitters - add a few drops on top of the foam. Or try lavender bitters! Orange bitters would be a lovely alternative.
See my autumn variation of a gin sour in this Plum Ginger Gin Sour!
How to make this Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour co*cktail Recipe
It's easy to make this variation of a gin sour co*cktail. First, make the lavender simple syrup, let it cool, and then make the co*cktail.
For the lavender simple syrup
This delicious recipe makes approximately a cup of lavender syrup.
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lavender buds.
- Step 2: Heat on medium and occasionally stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 3: Remove from the heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
For the lavender elderflower gin sour co*cktail
First, you will do a dry shake. Add all the ingredients without the ice to the co*cktail shaker and shake to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Then, add the ice and shake again.
- Step 4: Add the gin, aquafaba, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup to a co*cktail shaker.
- Step 5: Shake for 30 seconds. Add a cup of ice, then shake again.
- Step 6: Strain into a chilled coupe glass or your favorite co*cktail glass.
- Step 7: Garnish with lemon twists, if desired, or lavender sprigs. Want to know how to make lemon twist garnishes? Read on!
If skipping the aquafaba, skip the dry shake and shake with ice.
How to make a lemon twist
- Cut into the lemon rind with a swivel peeler or vegetable peeler, going around the entire lemon.
- Cut a rectangle approximately 5 to 6 inches long and an inch wide. Remove any excess pith.
- Cut a narrow strip approximately 5 mm wide (less than a quarter-inch). Wind it around something narrow like a co*cktail stick and let it rest on a damp towel with something to lightly hold it in place, like a pinch bowl. After 15 minutes, your lemon twists should be good to go.
Note: You can make the lemon twists ahead of time. If you have any extras, keep them curled around the co*cktail sticks and place them in an airtight container on a slightly damp paper towel. Refrigerate for up to one week, and you'll have lemon twists waiting for you when you need them!
Equipment
- co*cktail shaker - I love this hybrid co*cktail shaker because I have no more freezing hands or leaks! The jigger is in the cap.
- co*cktail glasses such as coupe glasses or Nick and Nora glasses.
- co*cktail picks to wrap the citrus around- I love these elegant signature co*cktail picks from Empress 1908 Gin!
Storage
This Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour co*cktail is best enjoyed right after it is made.
Store the lavender simple syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Expert tip
It makes a difference to use fresh, quality ingredients!
Use a quality gin; I love the botanical flavors and beautiful natural indigo color of Empress 1908 Gin. Adding any acidity, such as citrus juice or tonic water, transforms it into a beautiful pink color.
If you'd like to try Empress 1908 Gin, look for it near you.
FAQ
Can I use fresh lavender?
I don't recommend it because I've made the simple syrup with dried culinary-grade lavender buds, which have a lovely floral flavor.
Can I make this co*cktail ahead of time?
First, you can make the lavender simple syrup ahead of time. Then, make the co*cktail immediately before enjoying it for the best results.
How strong is this lavender elderflower gin co*cktail?
It's moderately strong. It's more potent than a glass of wine but not as strong as a martini.
Why is Empress 1908 Gin indigo?
Butterfly pea blossom is added to Empress 1908 Gin in the final distillation process, imparting subtle earthy notes and an all-natural indigo hue.
More Gin co*cktails
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Blood Orange French 75
- Delicious Plum Ginger Gin Sour co*cktail Recipe
- Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz
- Meyer Lemon French 75 co*cktail Recipe
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did! If you make this recipe, please take a moment to ★★★★★ star-rate it and leave a comment below. Follow me onInstagramand Facebook, and share your creation with me! Tag me@resplendentkitchenand hashtag#resplendentkitchenrecipes.
Recipe
Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour co*cktail Recipe
Emily Miller
This Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour is the perfect balance of floral botanical notes and tartness. Fragrant lavender syrup complements subtle elderflower liqueur, combined with gin and fresh lemon juice, for a delicious co*cktail!
5 from 156 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
0 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 co*cktails
Calories 140 kcal
Equipment
co*cktail glass chilled
Paring knife or chef's knife
citrus squeezer
Vegetable peeler
Empress 1908 Gin co*cktail picks optional
Ingredients
For the lavender simple syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon culinary dried lavender buds
For the Elderflower Lavender Gin Sour
- 3 oz gin
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 ½ oz lemon juice up to 2 oz
- 1 ½ oz lavender simple syrup see below
- 1 ½ oz aquafaba
- Ice
- 2 lemon twists garnish
Instructions
For the lavender simple syrup
In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lavender buds.
1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon culinary dried lavender buds
Heat on medium and occasionally stir until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from the heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.
For the Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour
Place gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and aquafaba in a co*cktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds.
3 oz gin, 1 oz elderflower liqueur, 1 ½ oz lemon juice, 1 ½ oz lavender simple syrup, 1 ½ oz aquafaba
Add ice and shake for 30 seconds more. Pour into chilled coupe glasses. Garnish each glass with a lemon twist. Cheers!
Ice, 2 lemon twists
Notes
- This recipe makes approximately one cup of lavender simple syrup. Use extra simple syrup for moistening cake, in lattes, and more!
- Store the lavender simple syrup in the fridge for 2 to 4 weeks.
Nutrition
Serving: 1co*cktailCalories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 10.4gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSodium: 1.5mgSugar: 0.9g
Keyword 30-minute, brunch, co*cktail, holiday
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.
