Lavender Martinis!

I am in love with these lavender martinis! They are so tasty and refreshing. They are the perfect anytime drink!

I never was a big fan of lavender scented things. Lavender soaps, lotions, sprays, never thrilled me. But these martinis changed my mind. And now when I smell lavender, the scent makes me happy and I immediately crave one of these.

There are many types of lavender, but these martinis use what is called culinary lavender. I never knew there was such a thing! But there are certain standards that have to be met in order for lavender to be food grade certified. I found mine at Whole Foods. It was $59.99 a pound! But don't be discouraged!! Lavender buds are very light weight. So, the amount that you would need for a party of 20 people or so is only around .95 cents for a bag. Not too shabby. update: Target sells bottles of lavender buds in the spice isle for around $6.

After you make up some yummy lavender syrup, all you need is vanilla vodka and fresh lemon juice!

Culinary Lavender

The lavender in these cocktails lends a sweet, floral note that is so addictive. When you first sip it you get a nice zippy lemon flavor, but that gets rounded out with an intoxicating vanilla/lavender flavor that is oh so delicious! The aromatics of these are heavenly. It's a very unique combination of flavors that make for a fabulous cocktail.

I've made these for many occasions over the last couple of months and they are always a hit. If you do make these for a party, bring a few copies of the recipe. You'll need them!

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Lavender Martinis

Makes 1 serving

Ice 

1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka 

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice 

1/4 ounce lavender syrup (recipe below) 

1 fresh lavender sprig (optional)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lemon juice and Lavender Syrup and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the lavender sprig. 

Lavender Syrup 

3 ounces Simple Syrup 

2 teaspoons dried lavender 

In a small saucepan, heat the Simple Syrup. Add the dried lavender, then remove from the heat. Let cool, strain and refrigerate, covered, for up to 5 days. 

Simple Syrup 

1 cup sugar 

1 cup water 

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil; simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. 

MAKE AHEAD: The syrup can be refrigerated in a glass jar for up to 1 month.
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* You'll have to do a little math on these. The simple syrup makes around 11-12 fluid ounces. So, you would add 8 teaspoons of lavender to the simple syrup.

* I also like to add a splash more lavender syrup to the final martini to give it an extra lavender kick. Yum!