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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour

    Published: Feb 2, 2023 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links 24 Comments

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    Pin for Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour recipe on Resplendent Kitchen blog.

    I've got just the thing for those of you looking for a refreshing sipper come springtime! This Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour is the perfect balance of floral botanical notes and delightful tartness - a truly delicious cocktail 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 your taste buds far away. This festive and elegant cocktail will surely bring delight wherever it's served, whether at happy hour or brunch!


    Side view of two lavender elderflower gin sour cocktails with bottle of indigo gin on marble surface.

    Elderflower and lavender are a delicious pairing in this delightful cocktail 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.

    Aquafaba, when shaken up, takes on a delicate, frothy texture that adds to the smoothness of this elegant cocktail that's perfect for your next special occasion!

    I was inspired to create this cocktail recipe with lavender and elderflower, a variation on my Plum Ginger Gin Sour cocktail I made over the fall.

    Serve this refreshing cocktail with these easy-to-make Vegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites for a delicious appetizer and cocktail combination!

    Jump to:
    • What is a gin sour?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make a Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour
    • How to make a lemon twist
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Expert tip
    • FAQ
    • More Gin Cocktails
    • Pairing
    • Recipe

    What is a gin sour?

    A classic cocktail, 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 delightful 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 cocktail!


    Side view of two lavender elderflower gin sour cocktails on marble surface.

    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 cocktail:

    • Gin - I used Empress 1908 Gin, a delicious gin. It's my favorite! 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 dry 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.

    How to make a Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour

    It's easy to make this variation of a gin sour cocktail. First, make the lavender simple syrup, let it cool, and then make the cocktail.

    For the lavender simple syrup

    This delicious recipe makes approximately a cup of lavender syrup.

    • In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and 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 2 weeks.

    For the lavender elderflower gin sour cocktail

    First, you will do a dry shake. Add all the ingredients without the ice to the cocktail shaker and shake to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Then, add the ice and shake again.

    • Add the gin, aquafaba, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
    • Shake for 30 seconds. Add a cup of ice, then shake again.
    • Strain into a chilled coupe glass or your favorite cocktail glass.

    Side view of two cocktail glasses filled with lavender elderflower gin sour before garnish.

    • 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 cocktail 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 cocktail 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!

    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 cocktail; 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.

    Side view of two lavender elderflower gin sour cocktails on marble surface.

    Variations

    If you want this gin sour cocktail 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!

    Equipment

    • Cocktail shaker - I love this hybrid cocktail shaker because I have no more freezing hands or leaks! The jigger is in the cap.
    • Cocktail glasses such as coupe glasses or Nick and Nora glasses.
    • Cocktail picks to wrap the citrus around- I love these elegant signature cocktail picks from Empress 1908 Gin!
    • Cutting board
    • Chef's knife or paring knife
    • Citrus juicer
    • Vegetable peeler

    Storage

    This Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour cocktail is best enjoyed right after it is made.

    Store the lavender simple syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.


    Side view of two lavender elderflower gin sour cocktails on marble surface.

    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 cocktail ahead of time?

    First, you can make the lavender simple syrup ahead of time. Then, make the cocktail immediately before enjoying it for the best results.

    How strong is this lavender elderflower gin cocktail?

    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 Cocktails

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • side view of 2 glasses filled with blood orange french 75
      Blood Orange French 75
    • Side view of two glasses of plum ginger gin sour on grey surface.
      Plum Ginger Gin Sour
    • Glass of strawberry elderflower gin fizz with strawberry garnish.
      Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz
    • Side view of 2 glasses of Meyer Lemon French 75 with citrus twists
      Meyer Lemon French 75

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with this cocktail:

    • Overhead view of quiche in pie dish on wood surface.
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    • overhead view of puff pastry bites in mini muffin tin
      Vegan Cranberry Cream Cheese Bites
    • vegan pretzel bites with zesty horseradish aioli
      Homemade Vegan Pretzel Bites
    • Overhead view of bowl of Vegan Asparagus Mushroom Pasta.
      Vegan Asparagus Mushroom Pasta

    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 on Instagram and Facebook, and share your creation with me! Tag me @resplendentkitchen and hashtag #resplendentkitchenrecipes.

    Recipe

    Side view of two lavender elderflower gin sour cocktails on marble surface.

    Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour

    Emily Miller
    This Lavender Elderflower Gin Sour is the perfect balance of floral botanical notes and delightful tartness. Fragrant lavender syrup complements subtle elderflower liqueur, combined with gin and fresh lemon juice for a delicious cocktail!
    5 from 49 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 cocktails
    Calories 140 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cocktail glass chilled
    • cutting board
    • Paring knife or chef's knife
    • citrus squeezer
    • cocktail shaker
    • vegetable peeler
    • Empress 1908 Gin cocktail 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
    • Organic lavender sprigs optional

    Instructions
     

    For the lavender simple syrup

    • In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and 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 cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds.
    • Add ice and shake for 30 seconds more. Pour into chilled coupe glasses. Garnish each glass with a lemon twist. ⁠ Cheers!

    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 up to 4 weeks.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cocktailCalories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 10.4gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSodium: 1.5mgSugar: 0.9g
    Keyword 30-minute, brunch, cocktail, 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.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Deborah

      February 03, 2023 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      Simply glorious photos, dear. I had to follow you to see more!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 03, 2023 at 2:17 pm

        Thank you so much, Deborah, I appreciate your support! I hope you get a chance to try this gin sour, it is so delicious!

        Reply
    2. Amy

      February 03, 2023 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This drink is so beautiful and looks so tasty!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 03, 2023 at 10:56 pm

        Thanks so much, Amy, I really appreciate it!

        Reply
    3. Tayler

      February 14, 2023 at 2:35 pm

      5 stars
      I adore lavender, so I was thrilled to find this recipe. I made a couple last night and they were to die for!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2023 at 3:07 pm

        Thank you, Tayler, I am so glad you enjoyed these cocktails!

        Reply
    4. Sharon

      February 14, 2023 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      This was an incredibly unique cocktail gin cocktail recipe that I'm sure will be made on repeat.

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2023 at 3:50 pm

        Thank you very much, Sharon, I'm happy to hear it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.

        Reply
    5. Sara Welch

      February 14, 2023 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      This cocktail has me dreaming of spring! Crisp and delicious with the perfect amount of kick! Easily, a new favorite drink!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2023 at 4:38 pm

        Thanks very much, Sara! I'm so glad to hear it!

        Reply
    6. Ned

      February 14, 2023 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      Woah! Awesome! My wife loves this! I should make it for her again soon. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2023 at 4:37 pm

        Thanks, Ned, that makes my day! I'm so happy to hear it!

        Reply
    7. Whitney

      February 14, 2023 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      This a gorgeous drink!! Perfect for my next ladies night!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2023 at 4:39 pm

        Thank you so much, Whitney! That sounds perfect!

        Reply
    8. Tyanne

      February 14, 2023 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      Love the step by step. So easy to make!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2023 at 8:29 pm

        Thanks so much, Tyanne. I'm glad the instructions were helpful!

        Reply
    9. Alexandra

      February 14, 2023 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      Well, cheers to this delicious drink - this cocktail is perfection. I grow some lavender at home, and am always looking for new ways to use it. This is a drink I will be making on repeat. It's beautiful and tastes fantastic.

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 14, 2023 at 9:40 pm

        Thank you so much, Alexandra, I'm so glad you enjoy this lovely cocktail! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it!

        Reply
    10. Nora

      February 15, 2023 at 12:56 pm

      5 stars
      I am a total fan of elderflower! These paired with lavender, just gorgeous! Thanks for the great cocktail. Will I offer my upcoming guests right away!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 15, 2023 at 1:01 pm

        Thank you so much, Nora! This is a new favorite around here!

        Reply
    11. Debra

      February 18, 2023 at 7:23 am

      5 stars
      We loved everything about this....especially the color! OMG...this is my new fancy drink recipe to serve when I have friends over.

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 18, 2023 at 9:29 am

        Thank you, Debra, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's our new favorite!

        Reply
    12. Andrea

      February 18, 2023 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      I love how refreshing this cocktail turned out! Perfectly tart and delicious!

      Reply
      • Emily

        February 18, 2023 at 2:30 pm

        Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Andrea! I am thrilled to hear that you found this cocktail recipe refreshing and delicious. It's always great to hear positive feedback, and I'm glad that my recipe was able to hit the spot for you. Cheers!

        Reply

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    Emily Miller

    Hi, I'm Emily, the photographer, writer, and cook behind Resplendent Kitchen. My goal is to show you how easy it is to cook delicious seasonal vegan recipes that are healthy for you, the animals, and the environment!

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