The Lavender Vodka Sour is a modern, floral take on the timeless sour cocktail. By blending the citrusy brightness of Meyer lemons with the delicate, aromatic notes of lavender-infused vodka, this drink achieves a harmonious balance of tart, sweet, and herbal flavors. Perfect for craft cocktail lovers, this Meyer lemon cocktail brings a sophisticated, botanical twist to the classic vodka sour. Whether you’re entertaining guests, unwinding after a long day, or simply looking for a unique cocktail to enjoy, this lavender-infused creation is an absolute must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Lavender Vodka Sour
- Floral & Citrusy Balance: The subtle floral essence of lavender vodka pairs beautifully with the sweeter, less acidic taste of Meyer lemons.
- Elegant & Refreshing: Light, smooth, and slightly aromatic, this cocktail is perfect for spring and summer but works year-round.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: Despite its high-end flavor profile, this cocktail requires just a few key ingredients and comes together effortlessly.
- Versatile & Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, play with different herbs, or add a touch of egg white for a creamy, frothy texture.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The key to this cocktail’s unique flavor profile lies in the quality of its ingredients:
- Lavender-Infused Vodka: Homemade or store-bought, this floral-infused spirit is what sets this drink apart from a traditional vodka sour.
- Meyer Lemons: Sweeter and more aromatic than regular lemons, they enhance the citrus profile without overpowering the floral notes.
- Honey Syrup: A touch of honey syrup or standard simple syrup balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
- Egg White (Optional): If you prefer a velvety texture, a shaken egg white will create a silky foam that elevates the drink.
- Garnishes: A sprig of fresh lavender or a thin Meyer lemon wheel adds an eye-catching finish.
Why Meyer Lemons Make This Cocktail Special
Meyer lemons elevate this cocktail significantly compared to regular lemons:
- Natural Sweetness: Less acidic with more natural sugar, creating a smoother drink that needs less added sweetener
- Floral-Citrus Aroma: Their mandarin orange heritage provides a unique fragrance that perfectly complements lavender
- Better Balance: Their gentler profile allows the subtle lavender notes to shine through rather than competing with harsh acidity
- Rich Color: Creates a more visually appealing cocktail with a warm amber hue
While regular lemons will work, they’ll create a sharper, less nuanced cocktail requiring additional sweetener. For the authentic experience, use Meyer lemons during their peak season (November-March).
How to Make a Lavender Vodka Sour
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Juice the Meyer lemons and measure out your lavender-infused vodka and simple syrup.
- Shake (Without Ice): Combine vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Add Ice & Shake Again: Add ice and shake for another 15-20 seconds to chill and create a creamy foam.
- Strain & Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Top with a sprig of lavender or a Meyer lemon wheel for a visually stunning presentation.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
This herbal cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers, cheese boards, or desserts like honey-drizzled ricotta toast or almond biscotti. It also complements Mediterranean dishes, making it a fantastic aperitif for a dinner party.
This lavender vodka cocktail is perfect for those who love floral and citrus-infused drinks. Try it for your next cocktail hour and impress your guests with a beautifully balanced, sophisticated yet simple drink. Cheers!
Lavender Vodka Sour with Meyer Lemon
1
servings10
minutesThis Lavender Vodka Sour with Meyer Lemons is a floral, citrusy twist on a classic cocktail, balancing sweet, tart, and herbal flavors. Infused with homemade lavender vodka, fresh Meyer lemon juice, and a touch of honey syrup, it’s a refreshing and elegant drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 ounces lavender-infused vodka
1 ounce Meyer lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 ounce honey
1 ounce warm water
1 egg white
ice
Directions
- Prepare the Honey Syrup:
Mix equal parts honey and hot water until dissolved. Let it cool. - Dry Shake (without ice):
Add lavender vodka, Meyer lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds to create a frothy texture. - Shake with Ice:
Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled. - Strain:
Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over a large ice cube. - Serve:
Sprinkle a few dried lavender buds, add a lemon wheel, or use a sprig of thyme for a fragrant touch.
Lavender-Infused Vodka: A Floral Twist for Cocktails
Lavender-infused vodka is a beautifully aromatic spirit that enhances cocktails with its delicate floral and herbal notes. Made by steeping dried or fresh culinary lavender buds in vodka, this infusion develops a smooth, subtly sweet essence that pairs perfectly with citrus, honey, and herbal ingredients. It’s an excellent base for cocktails like the Lavender Vodka Sour, where its floral character balances the tartness of Meyer lemons and the richness of simple syrup.
For a step-by-step guide on making your own lavender-infused vodka, check out this recipe and bring a touch of botanical elegance to your home bar.
