Honey Lavender Gin & Tonic
One of my favorite things is discovering is a fun, new cocktail while out with girlfriends. We recently met for drinks at NoLo's Kitchen in the North Loop, Minneapolis. They have a cocktail called The Birds and the Bees. I loved it so much, I ran home to recreate it myself.
Empress Gin is a botanical gin, meaning it has floral notes vs juniper or another flavor. It's delicious. Especially paired with simple syrup.
The homemade lavender syrup is incredibly delicious. You'll need food-grade lavender petals for this one.
What you'll need: Serves 1
2 oz Empress Gin
1 Tbsp honey lavender simple syrup*
4 oz club soda
1/2 lemon, juiced
For the simple syrup:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp raw honey
1 Tbsp lavender petals
How to make it:
Combine all of the ingredients into a cocktail glass over ice and stir.
*To make the honey lavender simple syrup, boil 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Shut off the heat and set aside.
Wait 5 minutes to slightly cool then add in 1 Tbsp raw honey. Give a gentle stir to combine.
Add lavender petals and let infuse for 1-3 hours. Set aside.
Using a small strainer, pour simple syrup into a jar with a lid. Discard petals.
Store in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
Enjoy!