Lavender Limoncello Spritz

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lavender Limoncello Spritz is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make cocktail. The tangy limoncello and freshly squeezed lemon juice offer a burst of citrus, while the lavender simple syrup adds a soft, aromatic floral note that elevates the drink. The sparkling water gives it a refreshing, fizzy quality, making it perfect for sipping on a warm day. Garnished with lemon slices and lavender sprigs, it’s as beautiful as it is flavorful!

Ingredients

• 2 ounces limoncello
• 1 ounce lavender simple syrup (recipe below)
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish

Lavender Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender buds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Lavender Simple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and add the dried lavender buds.
4. Let the mixture steep for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
5. Strain out the lavender buds and allow the syrup to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Lavender Limoncello Spritz:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the limoncello, lavender simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Top with sparkling water or club soda, stirring gently to combine.
4. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh lavender.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Time: 5 minutes for the spritz (30 minutes for the lavender syrup)

Variations

• Lavender Limoncello Spritz with Gin: Add a splash of gin for a more complex flavor profile.
• Lavender Lemonade Spritz: For a non-alcoholic version, replace limoncello with lemonade or lemon juice and increase the lavender syrup for added sweetness.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme in place of lavender for a different herbal infusion.
• Sparkling Wine Version: Replace the sparkling water with a splash of Prosecco or champagne for a bubbly, celebratory twist.

Storage/Reheating

• The lavender simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• The spritz itself is best enjoyed immediately, as the effervescence from the sparkling water or soda may dissipate over time.

FAQs

1. What is limoncello?

Limoncello is a traditional Italian lemon liqueur made from lemon zest, sugar, and water. It’s known for its sweet and tart citrus flavor and is typically served chilled.

2. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender for the simple syrup?

While you can use fresh lavender, dried culinary lavender buds are preferred for making syrup, as they offer a more concentrated and smooth flavor.

3. Can I make the lavender simple syrup ahead of time?

Yes! The lavender syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it easy to prepare ahead of time.

4. What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice can be used, but the flavor will be slightly different. Freshly squeezed juice is always best for cocktails.

5. Can I use a different sweetener for the lavender simple syrup?

Yes, you can use alternatives like honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor of the syrup.

6. How do I make the drink less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of lavender simple syrup, or add extra lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

7. Can I add more lavender flavor to the drink?

If you love lavender, you can increase the amount of lavender simple syrup in the cocktail to make the floral notes more prominent.

8. Can I serve this drink in a large pitcher for a party?

Yes, you can scale the recipe up to make a larger batch. Simply multiply the ingredients and combine them in a pitcher. Add the sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz.

9. What if I don’t have sparkling water?

If you don’t have sparkling water or club soda, you can substitute it with tonic water for a slightly different flavor or use still water for a more mellow drink.

Conclusion

The Lavender Limoncello Spritz is an elegant and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather and special occasions. With its blend of citrusy limoncello, floral lavender, and fizzy sparkling water, this drink offers a sophisticated balance of flavors. The beautiful garnish of lemon slices and lavender sprigs makes it a stunning addition to any gathering, and the homemade lavender simple syrup adds a unique and aromatic touch. It’s the perfect drink to sip slowly and savor, whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or celebrating with friends.

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