Fizzy, light and citrusy, a Tom Collins is one of the most classic cocktails of summer. One way to make it even better? Adding the calming floral notes of lavender. Elevated yet relaxed, easy to make and even easier to drink this Lavender Tom Collins is sure to become a new classic.
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History of the Tom Collins
Both England and the United States lay claim to creating the Tom Collins but there is no definitive answer on who created this classic cocktail. The first recorded mention of the Tom Collins is in Harry Johnson’s 1882 New and Improved Bartender’s Manual . Another theory is related to the Tom Collins Hoax of 1874. This was a popular practical joke that involved telling someone that a man named Tom Collins had been insulting them and that this person could be found at a nearby bar. Regardless of the origins the Tom Collins is at its heart a spiked sparkling lemonade and completely delicious.
How to make a Lavender Tom Collins
This cocktail starts with making a homemade lavender simple syrup. Bring equal parts sugar and water, along with a few table spoons of dried culinary lavender, to a boil and then let it steep for about 20 minutes. Strain out the dried lavender and simple syrup is ready for this cocktail. (You’ll have extra simple syrup for the next time you make this drink but it’s also great in your morning coffee or with this bubbly Lavender French 75!).
For the cocktail in a Collins or highball glass add the gin, lemon juice and lavender simple syrup and stir to combine. Add ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice and a spring of lavender if desired. If this isn’t summer in a glass I don’t know what is.
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Lavender Tom Collins
Ingredients
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp culinary lavender buds
For the drink
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lavender simple syrup
- ice
- 4 oz soda water
Instructions
For the lavender simple syrup
- Combine water, sugar and lavender in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Cover and remove from heat, allow to steep for at least 20 minutes.
- Strain the lavender and pour into clean glass jar.
For the lavender Tom Collins
- In a collins or highball glass add the gin, lemon juice and lavender simple syrup and stir to combine. Add ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice and a spring of lavender if desired.
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Emily Flint says
I love everything lavender and I can’t wait to try this!
Swathi says
Lavender tom collins looks yum.
Audrey says
Anything lavender is my jam! Can’t wait to make this recipe.
Ramona says
This was delightful – I have added honey instead of sugar – I will make it again. So good!
Alexandra says
What a delicious drink – love the vibrant flavours!
Tammy r seed says
Great recipe, thanks for sharing! Going to give it a try for sure.
Amy says
Love a good Tom Collins but have never tried it with lavender before! Yum!
Jere Cassidy says
I don’t drink but I want to use the lavender syrup in lemonade.
Kristina Tipps says
This sounds great for Father’s Day!
Freya says
This was so good, and my guests loved the colour!
Ramona says
Amazing idea! I really need to try this recipe – I love anything lavender and never thought of a refreshing drink like this. Thanks for sharing. I love the idea!
Kim says
So amazingly light and refreshing. This is going to be perfect for summer.
Teresa says
Sounds like a refreshing drink!
Kristina says
Going to make for Father’s Day. This is a great idea!
Chef Dennis says
My wife super loved this cocktail!
Jessica Formicola says
I love lavender anything, but putting it in a Tom Collins is genius! Can’t wait to give this a try this weekend!
Debra says
A great use for my lavender! Loved it.
Jamie says
This is so good on a hot day like today!
Kay says
The lavender adds a great floral note to this cocktail!
Ashley says
The only good I’ve ever had Lavender with was cupcakes. Your Lavender Tom Collins recipe sounds super yummy and so refreshing.
Amy Roskelley says
My neighbor cut some lavender just today for me! Can’t wait to use it in a drink like this.
Leslie says
So refreshing!
Elizabeth Flight says
Great recipe! So delicious!
Swathi says
This Lavender tom collins looks refreshing
Katie Youngs says
This drink was so light and refreshing. My party guests loved it!
Lilly says
So delicious and simple to make!
Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes says
Thanks for sharing, this cocktail looks amazing 🙂