Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

Lemon-based cocktails are my favorite. They’re so punchy and vibrant, and are especially perfect for spring and summer. 

When I first tried a lemon drop, I thought I’d found the best drink. That is, until I started wondering what would happen if I added another flavor.

Enter: the lavender lemon drop martini. 

It’s a floral (but not soapy) twist on the classic, made with lavender syrup and just a hint of crème de violette — somewhere between a lemon drop and an Aviation. 

This lavender lemon drop cocktail is beautiful, impressive, and surprisingly easy to make. So if you also love citrus-forward drinks and are looking to shake things up (see what I did there), try out this recipe and let me know what you think!

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Looking for a non-alcoholic version? I also made a lavender mocktail.  

Ingredients

In addition to a cocktail shaker and some ice, you’ll need a few ingredients to make this lavender lemon drop.

Vodka

Vodka forms the base of this drink. There are enough other elements involved that I haven’t found it worthwhile to use expensive brands (I usually use Trader Joe’s since it’s convenient and affordable), but feel free to use your favorite.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Since lemon is the dominant flavor, fresh juice is non-negotiable. You’ll need 1–2 lemons per drink, depending on how juicy they are.

Cointreau

Cointreau adds depth of flavor but no color (which is important, as you’ll see later). You could substitute triple sec, but the drink won’t taste quite as complex.

I wouldn’t recommend using another orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, since it’s heavier and will affect the color.

Lavender Syrup

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll need a high-quality lavender syrup. I prefer to make my own since it’s surprisingly easy and allows you to control the flavor and intensity.

You can also use a store-bought option like Monin, but I haven’t tested it, so you may need to adjust for both flavor and color.

How to Make Lavender Syrup

To make lavender syrup, you just need three ingredients: 

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 T dried culinary lavender 

Instructions: 

1. Bring sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat, add lavender, and cover.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes, tasting to ensure it doesn’t become bitter, then strain.
4. Let cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.

Yield: About ⅔-¾ cup (enough for ~4 drinks)

Crème De Violette

The surprise ingredient that makes this drink stand out is just a dash of crème de violette. Its floral note pairs really well with the lavender, but if you prefer a less floral drink, you can reduce or omit it.

I always use Rothman & Winter, so I can’t vouch for other brands, but they can vary quite a bit, so it’s worth doing a little research.

Optional: Liquid Red Food Coloring

Not required, but if you want to tint your lavender lemon drop slightly, you can add a tiny amount of liquid red food coloring.

Coloring lemon-forward drinks is tricky due to the acidity, so you won’t get the same vibrant purple as an Aviation. However, you can adjust the tone slightly to achieve a softer lavender hue.

Because the drink already contains crème de violette (which adds a bit of blue), adding blue or violet coloring will make it muddy. A small amount of red helps balance the color instead.

If you choose to use food coloring, add it in tiny increments after pouring the drink using a toothpick. Be sure to use liquid coloring, as gel won’t dissolve. 

Without further ado, let’s get into the recipe!

FAQs

See below for answers to frequently asked questions. 

What does a lavender lemon drop taste like?

It’s bright and citrus-forward like a classic lemon drop, with a soft floral note from the lavender and crème de violette that adds depth without making the drink taste soapy.

Can I make this without crème de violette?

Yes. The drink will still taste great without it, just a bit less floral and slightly more like a traditional lemon drop. If you’re unsure, you can reduce the amount instead of omitting it completely. You may need to adjust the lavender syrup for sweetness. 

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Since lemon is the dominant flavor, fresh juice makes a noticeable difference in both taste and brightness.

Can I use store-bought lavender syrup?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount depending on the brand. Some syrups are more concentrated or sweeter than others, which can affect both flavor and color.

Why isn’t my drink purple?

Lemon juice is highly acidic, which dulls purple tones. Even with crème de violette, the color will be soft and slightly muted. You can adjust it slightly with a small amount of red food coloring if desired.

How do I make it less sweet or less floral?

Start by reducing the lavender syrup slightly. You can also reduce or omit the crème de violette for a more citrus-forward drink.

Can I make this ahead of time or batch it for a party?

Yes. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or drink dispenser, then add 10-25% water to account for dilution, depending on how strong you like the drink. Chill well before serving.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

More Floral Cocktail Recipes

Looking for more light and floral cocktails? Try these next.