Lavender Sapphire Collins

School is finally out for summer and you survived the hustle and bustle of another school year filled with carpool and homework duty. You need a break, we get it! It just so happens lavender season is upon us. Coincidence? We think not! In spirit of this Hill Country staple and some much-needed relaxation, we are going to put a spin on a summer favorite. We’ve tweaked a few key ingredients of a traditional Tom Collins by adding all the elements you need to get you on the fast track to calm – lavender and alcohol!

Lavender Sapphire Collins
2oz Bombay Sapphire
1 oz Lavender Simple Syrup
1 oz Lime Juice
Lavender Simple Syrup
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Sugar
3 Tbsp lavender buds, rinsed (remove buds from the stems before they flower)

Now by this time you are a seasoned beverage connoisseur so making that lavender simple syrup isn’t going to be difficult at all. Begin by bringing the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and stir in 1 cup of sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved, add in 3 tablespoons of lavender buds. Simmer mixture for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 7 minutes. Depending on your lavender, you may or may not get a pale lavender shade to your syrup. Let cool and then strain into a jar or bottle with tight fitting lid.

The “hard” part is over and you’re nearing the finish line. Next, you will pour your Gin, simple syrup, and lime juice into a shaker tin and shake, shake, shake it with ice. You’re almost done, the lavender fields are calling, and girl, you are answering!

After you’ve gotten your ingredients as shaken as you were after hearing about the Channing Tatum’s divorce, strain the liquid over ice and garnish with a lime and sprig of lavender. It’s that simple, and yes, that delicious!