Lavender Tom Collins

A classic gin cocktail gets a floral, springtime twist in this bubbly Lavender Tom Collins...

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Okay, I won't lie to you all. I am pretty sure my alcohol consumption has maybe slightly increased since this who stay at home order business started. I mean, there really isn't any rules anymore for when it is acceptable or not to enjoy a little boozy concoction- am I right? 

Just like everything else in my life, I have finally accepted the fact that I am living a new "normal" for now. Like realizing that my youngest is still wearing her pajamas as dinner time is fast approaching & shrugging my shoulders because she will just be taking a shower in a few hours & changing into a new pair of PJ's. 

Or the fact that I have now become a hard core FaceTimer when I hardly ever used the app on my iPhone before. I mean, what better way is there to chat with my sister than with a unicorn or a kitty filter on? Also, how am I just now discovering how insanely fun that is?? ;)

I have also learned to appreciate the value of a well stocked fridge and liquor cabinet through all of this. Because sometimes a whiskey & ginger or a little gin and lime is just what I need at the end of the day. We have been fortunate here in West Virginia that our liquor stores have remained open throughout all of this. I can't say the same for our neighbors up north though (sorry, Pennsylvania!). 

I have also been using this time at home to experiment with some new cocktail creations with a little help from my mixologist boyfriend. My latest creation is this perfect for springtime Lavender Tom Collins. 

A classic Tom Collins is basically a boozy lemonade made with gin & simple syrup. I gave this popular gin cocktail a whole other layer of flavor by making a lavender infused simple syrup to use in it.

The lavender simple syrup is super easy to make, but I would suggest you whip this up the day before you are planning on making this cocktail. The simple syrup isn't difficult to make, but it does require a little steeping and cooling time.





Although my sole purpose for making this flavored simple syrup was to use it in making this Tom Collins recipe, I have also found that it makes the perfect sweetener for green tea- both hot & cold. 

That is one advantage to having simple syrup on hand in your fridge- it is awesome for mixing into cold drinks since the sugar is already dissolved. It would also be delicious in unsweetened lemonade.

Believe it or not, this Lavender Tom Collins actually has a few surprising health benefits (aka, you don't have to feel all that guilty for enjoying one or two of these during your days at home ;) )...

• Lavender has long been used as an aromatherapy agent to help calm you and relieve stress & anxiety. And I think all of us could use a little more of that in our lives right now.
• Lavender has been proven to help with insomnia. And with everything that is going on in the world right now, I know I have been suffering from a few more restless nights than usual. Night cap, anyone?
• Some studies have shown that just inhaling the scent of lavender can help reduce your blood pressure & heart rate.

I am not saying that this cocktail is healthy, you all. I am just saying that by adding in a little lavender, you might be able to reduce your stress levels a little. I mean, it can't hurt to give it a try- right?

Now, you can't use just any ole dried lavender in this. Please don't go picking some out from that bowl of old potpourri. 

You will need to purchase culinary grade dried lavender if you will be ingesting it- and yes, there is a difference. Luckily, you can have it delivered to you via Amazon Prime for less than $10.

Yield: Serves 1

Author: Carrie Robinson

Lavender Tom Collins

A classic gin cocktail gets a floral, springtime twist in this bubbly Lavender Tom Collins.

Prep time: 1 hour, 5 min Cook time: 5 min Total time: 1 hour, 10 min

Ingredients:

For the lavender simple syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp dried lavender (culinary grade)

For the Lavender Tom Collins

• 2 oz. gin (I used Bombay Sapphire.)
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. lavender simple syrup
• Club soda
• Lemon wheel & dried lavender for garnishing (optional)

Instructions:

How to cook Lavender Tom Collins

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water & sugar. Bring to a slow boil and whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the water/sugar mixture from the heat and stir in the dried lavender. Steep for at least one hour. Strain the dried lavender from the simple syrup. Store the lavender simple syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one month.
2. To make the Lavender Tom Collins:
3. Combine the gin, lemon juice, & lavender simple syrup in a tall glass. Give it a quick stir, then fill the glass with crushed ice. Top off the club soda and give it another stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel & a sprinkle of dried lavender, if desired.
4. Cheers & enjoy!

Created using The Recipes Generator

What does your new normal look like right now?







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