Lavender Lemon Cocktail

Some summer evenings call for time spent outside to watch the sunset and a cool drink in hand. This cocktail tastes like summer to me.

Lavender Lemon Cocktail

• 2 oz dry gin (we tried The Botanist)

• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/2 oz lavender simple syrup*

• Splash of sparkling water

• Optional garnish: fresh sage, lavender sprig, lemon slice

In a cocktail shaker, add ice and then the first three ingredients. Shake well. Pour into a chilled glass over ice and add a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with a spear of fresh sage, lavender sprig and lemon slice. Serve with a straw.

*To make the lavender simple syrup, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and let cool. Add 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender buds, or a few sprigs of fresh lavender from your garden and allow to steep at least an hour or overnight. Strain out lavender and store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator.