We’ve been extra busy around the Rue offices this week, so we sort of have Happy Hour on the brain. Luckily, Emma + Elsie of A Beautiful Mess have created this refreshing lemon drop martini that has a surprising ingredient- lavender! Wary of your cocktail tasting like lotion? Fear not! Lavender is actually a member of the mint family- and tastes a little sweet yet smoky with undertones of rosemary. And when paired with lemon? Well… let’s just say this may become your official drink of spring. Cheers!

Lavender and Lemon Drop Martini:

INGREDIENTS:
4 oz. vodka*
2 oz. limoncello
2 oz. lavender simple syrup (recipe below)
1 oz. fresh lemon juice

To make a citrus sugar rim mash together 1/4 cup sugar and the zest from one lemon. Dip your martini glass on to a shallow plate filled with water and then into the citrus sugar. Shake off any excess sugar. In a martini shaker filled with ice add the ingredients. Shake well and stain into two prepared glasses. Garnish with a lemon slice.

To make your own lavender simple syrup combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small pot. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring the water to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon dried lavender buds or fresh lavender. Allow that to steep and reduce for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain out the lavender. If you want your simple syrup to be more purple in color add a little food dye.

*This recipe makes vodka martinis. If you prefer a more traditional gin martini then simply replace the vodka with gin.

Enjoy!