The use of absinthe in cocktails has been a topic of interest for many years. With its unique taste and highly alcoholic nature, it has been a popular ingredient in cocktail recipes for many years. Lavender, on the other hand, is a fragrant herb that is often used in teas, soaps, and perfumes. When combined, both absinthe and lavender come together to create a special and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. In this blog post, we will explore how you can craft a creative cocktail with absinthe and lavender, and share some recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
What is Absinthe?
Absinthe is a highly alcoholic spirit that is made using wormwood, anise, and fennel. It has a distinct green color and a bitter taste, which makes it an acquired taste for many people. Absinthe was originally popular in France and Switzerland during the late 19th century, and was famously consumed by artistic figures such as Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde. The drink was later banned in many countries due to its high alcohol content and hallucinogenic properties, but it has since been legalized in many countries including the US.
What is Lavender?
Lavender is an herb that is known for its calming and soothing properties. It is often used in aromatherapy and is believed to help with anxiety and stress. Lavender has a distinct floral aroma and is commonly found in teas, soaps, and perfumes. It is also a popular ingredient in cooking and baking, and is commonly used in desserts such as lavender macarons and lavender ice cream.
Combining Absinthe and Lavender
When combined, absinthe and lavender create a cocktail that is unique and flavorful. The bitter taste of absinthe is balanced out by the sweet, floral taste of lavender, creating a drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.
To create a cocktail with absinthe and lavender, you will need to have some experience with mixing drinks. The bitterness of absinthe can be overwhelming, so it is important to balance it out with other flavors. A good bartender will know how to balance the flavors of absinthe and lavender together, and create a drink that is both flavorful and enjoyable.
Crafting Creative Cocktails with Absinthe and Lavender
Now that we understand the properties of absinthe and lavender, let’s take a closer look at some creative cocktails that you can craft with these two ingredients. Each of the cocktails I’ll present you with below will need to be served over ice, preferably in a glass tumbler, and ideally garnished with a sprig of fresh lavender.
1. Lavender Absinthe Lemonade
This refreshing summer drink will quench your thirst on a hot day, and it’s incredibly simple to make. The combination of absinthe and lemonade is perfectly complemented by the floral taste of lavender. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 oz. Absinthe
– 4 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lemonade
– 1/2 oz. Lavender Syrup
To make the lavender syrup, all you need to do is boil 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of dried lavender. Boil for 5 minutes before removing from heat and letting it steep for another 10 minutes before straining out the lavender. Once your lavender syrup is made, simply combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, and strain into a glass over fresh ice.
2. Lavender Absinthe Martini
A twist on the classic gin martini, the Lavender Absinthe Martini is a potent and sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for an evening of entertaining. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 oz. Absinthe
– 1 oz. Dry Vermouth
– 1/2 oz. Lavender Syrup
This is another cocktail that uses lavender syrup, so you’ll want to make that first (as described in cocktail #1). Combine all three ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously to combine. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender.
3. Lavender Absinthe Sour
This tart and refreshing cocktail is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the sweetness of the lavender syrup and tartness of the lemon juice work perfectly with the bitterness of the absinthe. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 oz. Absinthe
– 1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
– 1/2 oz. Lavender Syrup
– 1 Egg White
To make this sour, you’ll need to follow a slightly different method than the previous two cocktails. Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker without ice and dry shake (with no ice). After dry shaking, add ice to the shaker and shake again to chill the cocktail. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass of your choice and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender.
4. Lavender Absinthe Fizz
A twist on the classic Gin Fizz cocktail, the Lavender Absinthe Fizz is a refreshing and slightly sweet cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot day. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 oz. Absinthe
– 1 oz. Lavender Syrup
– 1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
– Club Soda
Combine the absinthe, lavender syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice and shake until well combined. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender.
Final Thoughts
Absinthe and lavender are two ingredients that, when combined, can create some truly unique and flavorful cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink or a sophisticated cocktail for a night of entertaining, there are countless ways to incorporate these two ingredients into your drinks. With a little bit of practice, you can become an expert at crafting creative cocktails with absinthe and lavender. Cheers!
Summary
Combining Absinthe and Lavender creates a cocktail that is unique and flavorful. The bitterness of absinthe is balanced out by the sweet, floral taste of lavender, creating a drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening. To create a cocktail with absinthe and lavender, bartenders will need to have some experience with mixing drinks. The bitterness of absinthe can be overwhelming, so it is important to balance it out with other flavors. A good bartender will know how to balance the flavors of absinthe and lavender together, and create a drink that is both flavorful and enjoyable. Finally, adding different ingredients and flavors to the cocktails with absinthe and lavender can create a range of creative cocktails, from lavender Absinthe lemonade to lavender Absinthe Fizz.
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