A twist on the Tom Collins cocktail, this Lavender Collins from Fox and Briar combines homemade lavender syrup, gin and lemon juice for a refreshing, super summery pick me up.
1 and ½ ounces gin
1 ounce lemon juice
½ ounce lavender syrup (see below)
sparkling water
¼ cup dried lavender
½ cup sugar
½ cup plus 3 tablespoons water
Bring half a cup of water to the boil and add the lavender. Simmer for 3 minutes, then allow to steep off the heat for about 20 minutes. Strain the flowers and throw them away.
In a clean saucepan, add ½ cup of sugar and 3 Tablespoons water. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in lavender liquid. Whisk until fully combined, remove from heat and transfer to a storage container.
Add gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water, then gently stir. Garnish with lemon slices and lavender sprigs.