The lavender collins cocktail is refreshing and elegant! It combines the classic elements from a Tom Collins with the addition of lavender simple syrup. The lavender adds a slightly floral flavor making each sip feel elegant.
The traditional tom collins cocktail is served in a tall glass over ice, with a base of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda. It is similar in taste to sparkling lemonade! In order to turn it into a lavender gin collins, simply swap in lavender simple syrup.
If you love lavender make sure to check out my lavender gin and tonic or lavender vodka lemonade! Both of these tasty cocktails use lavender simple syrup to achieve the sophisticated floral flavor.
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Ingredient Notes
- Gin - I use Empress 1908 gin in this recipe to achieve the beautiful purple color!
- Lemon juice - use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. The lemon juice adds tartness which helps balance out the sweetness of the simple syrup.
- Lavender simple syrup - you can use store bought or make you own following my easy recipe for honey lavender simple syrup.
- Club soda - this balances out the flavors while adding a nice bubbly element to the cocktail.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Traditional tom collins - use regular simple syrup instead of lavender.
- Botanical flavor - use thyme simple syrup instead of lavender.
- Vodka Collins - use vodka instead of gin.
- Purple tom collins - use Empress 1908 gin or simply add a few drops of purple food coloring.
- Blueberry lavender collins - muddle 2 tablespoons of blueberries at the bottom of the mixing glass.
- Mock-tail - omit the alcohol or substitute in a non-alcoholic botanical spirit.
Step by Step Instructions
Purchase or make your own homemade lavender simple syrup. You will need equal parts water and sugar (or honey) and a few tablespoons of culinary grade dried lavender. Heat the water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add in the dried lavender and let it steep for at least 15 minutes. For more details, follow the instructions found in my honey lavender simple syrup post.
Add ice, gin, lemon juice and lavender simple syrup to a mixing glass.
Stir well until combined and chilled. This should take about 15-20 seconds.
Pour the cocktail into a tall glass over ice.
Top it off with club soda or sparkling water and enjoy!
Hint: Add a garnish to the glass to elevate your cocktail experience. Slice up lemon wheels, add a lemon peel or perhaps some lavender sprigs!
Storage
While I recommend making this drink to order, you can make the cocktail without the ice or club soda ahead of time. Add ice and top it off with club soda before serving.
I do not recommend freezing this cocktail due to the club soda.
Top tip
To achieve a beautiful purple look, make sure to use Empress 1908 gin. This specific gin is dyed purple using butterfly pea flowers. Alternatively, you could use regular gin and add a couple drops of purple food coloring.
Frequently Asked Questions
A traditional tom collins cocktail contains gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda or sparking water.
I recommend using Empress gin to create a lovely purple flavor. My other favorite gins to use are Roku or Bombay Sapphire.
Lavender Collins
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup store bought or homemade
- 4-5 oz club soda
- ice
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass halfway full with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice and lavender simple syrup.
- Stir well for 15-20 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a tall glass over ice.
- Top it off with the club soda and give the cocktail a gentle stir to distribute the flavors. Garnish with lemon wheels and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.
- You can purchase lavender simple syrup or make you own.
- Use Empress 1908 Gin for the lovely purple color, or add a couple drops of food coloring.
Em says
This is delicious! It tastes similar to a bubbly lavender lemonade.