I didn’t realize I was so predictable. Really? Me? Predictable? I mean I’d blush in concession if you said I was affable or even (ah, shucks) adorable. Go right ahead and call me capable, I don’t mind. I know capable sounds a bit dull, but if you said it in a nice way I’d say thank you. I guess that’s just how amenable I am. But predictable? I always thought that was laughable. Well, I’m here to tell you that the evidence is in, and it’s sizeable. Les Fleurs is a gin cocktail that (on this blog) is as predictable as the season.
When cocktail hour rolls around I like to tinker. Sometimes my tinkering leads to tippling. Enough tippling that it’s easy to convince myself that I’ve developed an original cocktail worth sharing on the pages of this blog. Such is the case of today’s seasonally inspired gin cocktail.
Les Fleurs: A Gin Cocktail
Les Fleurs is a gin cocktail featuring the subtle essence of two springtime flowers: lavender and elderflower. As far as blog fare goes Les Fleurs sounds like a gin cocktail that’s downright copyrightable.
Well, that’s debatable. Because, exactly one year ago today I presented Whiff of Spring, another “original” gin cocktail with an aromatic breath of sweet elderflower. In other words, on the same day last year, I was sitting in the same backyard, listening to the same birds chirping, while enjoying the same flowers blooming – and I came up with the same combination of gin and elderflower.
One year ago today. Now that’s either predictable or inevitable. Either way, I find it irritable. GREG
For a “from scratch” lavender-infused syrup, gently heat ½ cup honey with ½ cup water and 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds in a small saucepan. Bring to simmer, stirring until combined. Turn off heat and allow it to steep for 30 minutes until it cools. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve and store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.
Ingredients
- 2 ounce gin
- 3/4 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 ounce fresh squeezed pink grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce lavender-infused honey syrup (made from equal parts Honey Ridge Farms Honey Creme Lavender and hot water, or see note)
Directions
Pour gin, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and honey syrup into a cocktail shaker 2/3 filled with ice. Shake until well-chilled and properly diluted, about 20 seconds. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with 1 large or 3 medium ice cubes. Garnish with lavender bloom (if using).
I would add photographable. Simply stunning! (and incredibly readable, too!)
This is a good one. But you made it, so that’s predictable. 😀
Add “unforgettable” and I think you’ll have a hit on your hands. Beautiful combo, and I know you know that the lavender is my favorite part…
Love this Greg, elderflower is one of my favorite flavors!
I love a gin and tonic with a splash of St. Germain, I have a feeling a Les Fleurs would tickle me pink as well 🙂
My very favorite drink involves lemon juice, gin and St. Germain. Now I can’t wait to try this. I’m going to get that honey started so it’s ready for Friday. Happy hour is one thing that makes me very predictable.
Love gin, and love the combination, Greg…can’t wait to try it! Have a happy spring!
This drink is above capable and predictable. Delish!
I love St. Germaine elderflower liqueur–particularly with Prosecco! And you are more than capable as far as I can tell.