If your garden is like mine this time of year, then you are also overflowing with lavender! This Lavender French 75 is everything that is right with a summer cocktail. It has just the right amount of lemon that pairs perfectly with lavender. It's an amazing summer drink that everyone will love!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make ahead. The lavender simple syrup can easily be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to one month. All you have to do when ready to serve is mix up a bit of the syrup with some gin, pour it into a glass and top with a little Prosecco. It's a simple and refreshing cocktail.
- It's a showstopper. This recipe is simple, but makes a big impact. I used Empress Gin in the recipe, which uses butterfly bee blossom to create a beautiful purple color in the liquor. This simple ingredient makes the cocktail a gorgeous purple color that is sure to wow anyone drinking it.
- This cocktail is versatile. I love using herbs in my cocktails, but the lavender is not a must in this recipe. It adds a lovely floral flavor to the syrup, but you can switch it out with thyme or rosemary if you prefer! Additionally, Empress Gin add lovely floral and herbal notes to the cocktail, along with a gorgeous color, but you can use any gin you like.
Tools You'll Need
- Saucepan
- Fine meshed sieve
- Cocktail shaker
- Coupe glass
Ingredients
Make your own lavender simple syrup with just 3 ingredients! You'll need granulated sugar, water, and dried lavender flowers, which can be found in the spice section at most grocery stores.
Use your favorite gin and Prosseco to finish this simple cocktail.
Substitutions
- To make this Lavender French 75, use any herbal gin you prefer. I love the color of Empress Gin, but truly any gin that you love will be delicious in this cocktail.
- If you cannot find lavender flowers, or it simply isn't your favorite, I recommend substituting fresh rosemary or thyme in place of the lavender. Since these herbs aren't quite as strong in scent or flavor, double the amount.
How to Make a Lavender French 75
- Begin by making a basic simple syrup with the water and granulated sugar.
- Once the syrup has been removed from the heat, add in the lavender flowers, and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
- Once the mixture has steeped, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and set aside to cool.
- When you are ready to make the drink, add ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Add 1 ½ ounces of gin to the shaker.
- Next, add ¾ ounce of lavender simple syrup.
- Add a splash of lemon juice, place the top on the cocktail shaker, and shake well.
- Pour into a coupe glass or champagne flute, and top with your favorite Prosecco. Add a fresh lavender stem, and enjoy!
Prep Ahead Options
- Make the syrup and refrigerate. This lavender simple syrup is so delicious to keep on hand. Simply make it ahead of time, and place in an airtight container for up to 1 month. syrup can be made ahead of time.
- Add the lemon juice to the syrup. For an extra make ahead tip, you can even add the lemon juice to the finished syrup before refrigerating.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing Lavender French 75 is perfect for your next bridal shower, bachelorette party, or any fun night at home with friends! It pairs perfectly with a charcuterie platter or sweet treat, is so easy to make, and will definitely be a crowd pleaser!
Some of my favorite sweet treats to serve with this Lavender French 75 are:
Recipe FAQs
The short answer is that Prosecco comes from Italy, and is made mostly from the Prosecco grape. Champagne can only be called Champagne when it comes from the Champagne region of France. It is also produced using primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. More than these basic facts, there are differences in the production and aging process of each kind of bubbly! You can learn more here
Yes, homemade simple syrup should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated to prevent mold growth and maintain freshness.
It is best to use dried lavender flowers, as the stems of fresh lavender sometimes adds an unpleasant "woody" flavor to the syrup.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Watch the syrup closely. Once the water and granulated sugar mixture begins to boil, watch to be sure it does not burn. The mixture can evaporate quickly and will burn in the pot, creating a huge mess.
- Be sure the lavender simple syrup cools before use. Using the simple syrup straight off the stove will cause the ice in the cocktail shaker to melt which will water the drink down, and you won't get to enjoy the full flavor!
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Lavender French 75
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 fine mesh strainer
- 1 Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender leaves
Lavender French 75
- 1 ½ ounces Lavender Simple Syrup
- ¾ ounce Empress gin (or your favorite kind of gin)
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces Prosecco
Instructions
- To make the simple syrup, stir together the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by about ⅓ and is becoming slightly thick.
- Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and stir in the lavender flowers. Set aside to let steep for about 15 minutes. Once steeped, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and allow to cool for another 15 minutes. If you are not using right away, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- To make a cocktail, fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. Add the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker. Add the lid, and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Remove the lid and strain into a coupe glass or champagne flute. Top with Prosecco and a fresh lemon twist. Cheers!