There’s something truly magical about the combination of lemon and lavender. The bright citrusy tang of lemon paired with the floral elegance of lavender creates a cocktail that’s both refreshing and sophisticated. If you’re looking for the perfect drink to serve at a spring gathering, brunch, or even a fancy summer soirée, this Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail is sure to impress.
Not only does this drink taste divine, but it also boasts a beautiful color transformation thanks to a touch of butterfly pea flowers. As the acidity of the lemon juice interacts with the natural blue hue of the butterfly pea flowers, the drink shifts into a stunning purple shade, making it as visually captivating as it is delicious. Whether you are an experienced home bartender or someone who loves to experiment with new flavors, this cocktail is an absolute must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail
This cocktail is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and floral notes, making it incredibly well-balanced. The floral and citrus flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a light yet complex drink that is ideal for any occasion. The homemade lavender simple syrup adds an aromatic depth that enhances the fresh lemon juice and elderflower liqueur, while the limoncello provides a subtle sweetness. The vodka ensures the drink remains crisp and smooth, allowing the other flavors to shine through.
One of the most exciting aspects of this cocktail is its aesthetic appeal. The butterfly pea flowers give the lavender syrup a deep blue color, which transforms into a gorgeous shade of purple when mixed with lemon juice. This natural color change makes the cocktail perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers (for natural coloring)
For the Cocktail:
2 ounces lemon vodka
1 ounce elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain)
1 ounce limoncello
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ounce lavender simple syrup (from above)
Ice
For Garnish:
Lemon slices
Fresh lavender sprigs

Essential Tools for Preparation
To make this cocktail, you will need a few essential tools. A saucepan is required for making the lavender simple syrup, while a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth will help strain out the lavender and butterfly pea flower solids. A cocktail shaker is necessary for mixing and chilling the ingredients, while a jigger ensures precise measurements. Finally, a martini or coupe glass is the ideal serving vessel for this elegant drink.
How to Make Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail
Step 1: Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add 2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds and 1 tablespoon of dried butterfly pea flowers. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat, cover, and allow the mixture to steep for 15 to 20 minutes to enhance the floral flavors. Strain the syrup into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the lavender and butterfly pea flower solids. Let the syrup cool completely before using.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces of lemon vodka, 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur, 1 ounce of limoncello, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 ounce of lavender simple syrup. Shake well for 15 to 20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon slice and a fresh sprig of lavender. As the lemon juice interacts with the butterfly pea-infused syrup, the drink will transform into a beautiful shade of purple, creating an eye-catching presentation.
What to Serve with This Cocktail
This elegant cocktail pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. A well-curated cheese board featuring soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or blue cheese enhances the floral and citrus notes of the drink. Lemon or lavender shortbread cookies complement the flavors perfectly, adding a delicate sweetness that matches the drink’s aroma. A fresh fruit platter with strawberries, blueberries, and peaches serves as a refreshing and colorful accompaniment. For those who prefer savory pairings, light seafood dishes such as smoked salmon canapés or shrimp cocktail work wonderfully with the crisp and citrusy elements of this cocktail.
Tips for the Best Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail
Use only culinary-grade lavender to avoid any bitterness or soapy flavors. Regular lavender may be too strong and overpower the delicate balance of the cocktail. Chilling your glass beforehand enhances the refreshing quality of the drink. To do this, place the glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less lavender syrup. If you prefer a slightly less sweet cocktail, reduce the amount of syrup and add a little extra lemon juice. Don’t skip the butterfly pea flowers if you want the stunning color-changing effect. These flowers are available online and in specialty tea shops.

How to Store Leftover Lavender Simple Syrup
Lavender simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray and use the cubes as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix everything except the ice and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, shake the mixture with ice and strain into a glass.
What can I use instead of lemon vodka?
If you don’t have lemon vodka, regular vodka with an extra splash of lemon juice works as a great substitute.
Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Replace the vodka, limoncello, and elderflower liqueur with lemonade and a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
Where can I buy butterfly pea flowers?
Butterfly pea flowers are available online, at specialty tea shops, and in some natural food stores.
Final Thoughts: A Cocktail That’s as Beautiful as It Is Delicious
The Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. With its bright citrus flavor, floral elegance, and magical color transformation, it’s the perfect signature cocktail for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a garden party, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cocktail will elevate the moment and impress your guests.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love trying other unique cocktails. The Fruit Loop Frenzy Shot is a fun and colorful shot that brings a nostalgic cereal-inspired twist to your cocktail menu. For those who love indulgent and dessert-like drinks, the Red Velvet Martini offers a luxurious blend of flavors reminiscent of the beloved cake. If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic yet just as delightful, the Frosty Berry Fusion Mocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that everyone can enjoy.
Try out these recipes and share your creations. If you make this cocktail, leave a review and let us know how you liked it. Cheers to delicious drinks and unforgettable moments!
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Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail – A Fragrant and Elegant Drink
Description
Lemon Lavender Vodka Cocktail is a fragrant and elegant drink that perfectly balances bright citrus and delicate floral notes. This refreshing cocktail features a homemade lavender simple syrup, adding a subtle sweetness and a mesmerizing color-changing effect when mixed with lemon juice. Whether for a brunch, garden party, or a quiet evening, this cocktail is sure to impress. Try this stunning and delicious recipe today!
Ingredients
For the Lavender Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
- 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers (for natural coloring)
For the Cocktail:
- 2 ounces lemon vodka
- 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain)
- 1 ounce limoncello
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce lavender simple syrup (prepared earlier)
- Ice
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh lavender sprigs
Instructions
- Make the Lavender Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the dried lavender buds and butterfly pea flowers. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and allow the syrup to steep for 15–20 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle. Let it cool completely before use.
- Mix the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add lemon vodka, elderflower liqueur, limoncello, fresh lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup.
- Shake well for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Serve & Garnish: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh lavender. Enjoy the gorgeous color change as the drink transforms into a beautiful purple hue!
Notes
- Always use culinary-grade lavender to ensure the best flavor without bitterness.
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the lavender syrup slightly and add an extra splash of lemon juice.
- Chilling your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving enhances the refreshing quality of the drink.
- The lavender simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for longer storage.
- If you don’t have lemon vodka, substitute with regular vodka and add a little extra lemon juice for a similar effect.
- This cocktail can be made in advance—simply mix everything except the ice and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice before serving.