Yes, there are several types of lavender liqueurs available on the market today. Lavender liqueurs feature the aromatic flavor of lavender flowers, providing a unique taste profile popular for use in cocktails or even on their own. While not as ubiquitous as more common liqueurs like triple sec or amaretto, lavender liqueurs can be readily found in many liquor stores and specialty shops.
What is lavender liqueur?
Lavender liqueur is an herbal liqueur that gets its distinctive flavor primarily from lavender flowers or lavender essential oil. The actual lavender content can vary widely between brands and specific liqueur recipes. The floral, slightly sweet and aromatic lavender flavor helps provide a complex base that blends well into creative cocktails.
In most cases, a lavender liqueur will combine a simple syrup or neutral spirit base with lavender flowers and/or oils. The specific ingredients and proportions vary by brand and region, but commonly include:
- Sugar or simple syrup – provides sweetness and body
- Grain neutral spirit or brandy – the primary alcohol base
- Lavender flowers and/or essential oils – supplies the signature floral lavender flavor
- Other herbs, fruits or spices – added for complexity like citrus, rosemary, coriander, etc.
The liqueur is made by infusion, macerating lavender and other flavorful ingredients in a simple syrup or alcohol base for a period of time before filtering and bottling. Lavender liqueurs often contain between 20-40% alcohol by volume.
Popular brands of lavender liqueur
Some of the more popular and widely distributed lavender liqueur brands include:
- Briottet Crème de Lavande – Made in France, this brand uses grape brandy as the base infused with natural lavender essence and lemon thyme.
- Giffard Lavande Pastille – Another French lavender liqueur made with a sugar beet base, lavender oil, lemon and spices.
- Tempus Fugit Spirits Crème de Lavande – Crafted in California, this liqueur uses brandy with lavender and lemon verbena.
- Paychaud’s Amethyst Lavender – An American lavender liqueur made in Maryland using corn spirits, lavender, peppermint and grapefruit.
There are also many distilleries, wineries and craft producers offering their own unique lavender liqueurs, especially in regions like France and the western United States where lavender is abundant.
Flavor profile and uses
A quality lavender liqueur will provide aromas and flavors that are floral, herbaceous, sweet, slightly citrusy and perfume-like. The taste incorporates the recognizable lavender flowers balanced by subtler notes of citrus, spices and herbs. While lavender itself has a somewhat bittersweet floral character, the sugar content in lavender liqueurs makes them taste sweeter.
Lavender liqueur brings an intriguing new element to cocktails. Only a small amount is needed to impart the aromatic lavender fragrance. It can be substituted in cocktails calling for liqueurs like triple sec, amaretto or violet liqueur. Lavender liqueur is commonly used in gin and vodka-based drinks, pairing well with herbaceous flavors.
Some popular cocktails featuring lavender liqueur include:
- Lavender martini – Lavender liqueur, gin and dry vermouth
- Lavender 75 – Lavender liqueur, gin, lemon juice, champagne
- Lavender gimlet – Lavender liqueur, gin, lime juice
- Lavender cosmopolitan – Lavender liqueur, vodka, lime juice, cranberry juice
- Lavender collins – Lavender liqueur, gin, lemon juice, soda water
The liqueur can also be served on its own chilled or over ice. It is sometimes used to flavor desserts and pastries like cakes, custards and sorbets.
Where to buy lavender liqueur
Lavender liqueurs are produced around the world, but primarily in Europe and North America. They can be purchased at many liquor stores, especially those with an expanded selection of herbal and floral liqueurs. Because lavender liqueurs are usually made by smaller craft distilleries in limited quantities, they are considered specialty liqueurs and may not be available at every local liquor store.
Some locations where lavender liqueur can commonly be found include:
- Specialty liquor or wine stores – These stores are most likely to carry lavender liqueurs, especially from local or craft distilleries.
- Gourmet markets – Lavender liqueurs are sometimes sold alongside other gourmet food items and liqueurs.
- Farmers markets – In regions where lavender is grown, farmers markets may offer lavender liqueur from a local distillery.
- Gift shops – The decorative bottle and floral aroma make lavender liqueur a popular gift shop item.
- Online liquor retailers – Many online stores sell lavender liqueurs, allowing easy online ordering and shipping.
- Distillery tasting rooms – If located near a distillery that makes it, lavender liqueur can be purchased directly in their tasting room.
The selection may be limited to a few imported brands at a regular liquor store. Seeking out a store specializing in liqueurs, gourmet foods or locally crafted spirits offers the best chance of finding a good lavender liqueur. Direct purchasing from a distillery tasting room or online can access the widest range of lavender liqueur options.
Popular cocktail recipes with lavender liqueur
Here are some recipe ideas for cocktails featuring lavender liqueur as a key ingredient:
Lavender 75 Cocktail
- 1 1⁄2 ounces gin
- 1⁄2 ounce lavender liqueur
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 3 ounces champagne or sparkling wine
- Garnish: lemon twist
Add gin, lavender liqueur and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously then strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
Lavender Gin Fizz
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce lavender liqueur
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces soda water
- Garnish: Lavender sprig
Combine gin, lavender liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake then strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of lavender.
Lavender Cosmopolitan
- 1 1⁄2 ounces vodka
- 1⁄2 ounce lavender liqueur
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1⁄4 ounce cranberry juice
- Garnish: lime wheel
Add vodka, lavender liqueur, lime juice and cranberry juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Is lavender liqueur gluten-free?
Most lavender liqueurs are gluten-free since they do not contain grains with gluten. The main ingredients are lavender flowers, sugar or simple syrup, alcohol and sometimes additional herbs and fruits.
The gluten content can vary based on specific ingredients:
- The alcohol base needs to be gluten-free. Brandy and corn spirits are gluten-free options used in many liqueurs.
- Any added flavors should also be gluten-free. Fruits, herbs and botanicals generally do not contain gluten.
- The sweetener source needs to be gluten-free. Cane sugar and beet sugar are gluten-free.
As long as the liqueur avoids grain-based alcohols and gluten ingredient sources, most lavender liqueurs are naturally gluten-free. When in doubt, check the bottle for an explicit “gluten-free” label or contact the distillery directly to inquire about their production process.
Best practices for making lavender liqueur
Lavender liqueur can also be handcrafted at home with some simple ingredients and a bit of patience. Here is an overview of tips for making great lavender liqueur:
Ingredients
- Lavender – Dried lavender buds or fresh lavender flowers picked right before blooming provide the essential flavor. An aromatic variety like Provence or Grosso lavender is ideal.
- Vodka or brandy – The base spirit should be a high-proof neutral vodka or brandy.
- Simple syrup – A combination of sugar and water dissolved together while heated.
- Citrus fruits – Small amounts of lemon or orange add nice complexity.
Process
- Make a simple syrup by combining sugar and water over heat until fully dissolved into a thick syrup.
- Combine the lavender flowers and any citrus peels or herbs with the vodka or brandy in a glass jar.
- Pour in the simple syrup and make sure all lavender is submerged.
- Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar daily.
- Taste periodically until the desired flavor strength is reached, typically 2-4 weeks.
- Strain out the solids and bottle the finished liqueur.
Tips
- Use more lavender and less simple syrup for a stronger floral taste.
- Consider adding extra herbs like lemon verbena or rosemary.
- Avoid direct sunlight which can cause discoloration.
- Letting the liqueur age for several months allows the flavors to fully marry.
With quality ingredients and some testing, homemade lavender liqueur can rival the smooth floral flavor of premium bottled versions.
Nutritional information
As a liqueur, lavender liqueurs do contain calories, sugar and carbohydrates. The exact nutrition facts can vary based on specific brands. As a general estimate, a 1.5 ounce serving of lavender liqueur contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Around 180 calories |
| Sugar | 14-18 grams |
| Carbs | 14-18 grams |
| Protein | 0 grams |
Lavender liqueurs have no fat, cholesterol, vitamins, minerals or other micronutrients. The calories come entirely from the alcohol and sugar content. Even in a small serving, a lavender liqueur provides a significant amount of calories and carbohydrates with 14-18 grams of sugar per 1.5 ounce pour.
How to drink lavender liqueur
Thanks to its adaptable floral flavor, lavender liqueur can be consumed in many ways:
Cocktails
Only a small amount of lavender liqueur is needed to impart noticeable floral aroma and taste in cocktails. It pairs especially well with gin or vodka. Shake with citrus juice, simple syrup and the base spirit.
On the rocks
Pour 1-2 ounces of lavender liqueur over ice in a rocks glass for easy sipping. Garnish with lavender buds or lemon twist.
Neat/Straight
Lavender liqueur can be served neat in a snifter or shot glass at room temperature to highlight the pure liqueur flavors.
Dessert topping
Drizzle over almost any dessert like cakes, cupcakes, ice cream or fresh fruit for floral aromatics and pretty visual appeal.
Making Lavender Simple Syrup
In addition to liqueur, lavender simple syrup is another great way to incorporate lavender flavor into drinks. Here is a simple recipe:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 Tablespoons dried lavender buds
- Heat water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from heat and add lavender buds. Let steep 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the lavender buds out through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Bottle and refrigerate the finished lavender syrup. Keeps several weeks refrigerated.
The floral lavender simple syrup can be used in place of plain sugar syrup in a variety of cocktails, lemonades, teas and other drinks.
Conclusion
Lavender liqueur offers a distinct floral flavor and alluring fragrance for creative cocktail recipes or solo sipping. While not as common as more well-known liqueurs, quality lavender liqueurs can be readily found through liquor stores with expanded specialty offerings and online liquor retailers. With versatile lavender flavors and alluring purple hues, lavender liqueurs bring alluring aromatics to the craft cocktail scene.