Blackberry Lavender Gin Tonic – Refreshing Floral Cocktail with Berries

Blackberry Lavender Gin Tonic – Few cocktails strike the balance between refreshing, aromatic, and visually stunning as beautifully as the blackberry lavender gin tonic. It combines the tart sweetness of blackberries, the floral delicacy of lavender, and the botanical sharpness of gin, topped with crisp tonic water. The result is a cocktail that feels luxurious without being overly complicated, perfect for both casual evenings and elegant gatherings.

This drink brings together the best of summer flavors with a hint of sophistication. The blackberries provide natural sweetness and a gorgeous deep purple hue, while lavender adds a fragrant floral undertone that pairs seamlessly with the botanicals in gin. It’s the type of cocktail that tastes like it was crafted at a high-end bar, yet you can easily prepare it in your own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Modern American / European inspired

• Course: Cocktail / Beverage

• Servings: 2 glasses

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 10 minutes

• Resting Time: 5 minutes (for lavender infusion)

• Total Time: ~25 minutes

• Calories (per serving): ~180–200 kcal

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid

• Muddler or wooden spoon

• Small saucepan (for lavender syrup)

• Fine mesh strainer

• Jigger or measuring tool

• Two balloon or highball glasses

• Ice cubes (large cubes preferred)

Ingredients

For the cocktail:

• 6–8 fresh blackberries

• 3 oz gin (London Dry or floral-style gin recommended)

• 4 oz chilled tonic water

• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Ice cubes

For the lavender syrup:

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup sugar (or honey for variation)

• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (or 2 sprigs fresh lavender)

Garnish:

• Fresh blackberries

• Lavender sprig or lemon twist

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~190 kcal
Carbohydrates	16 g
Sugars	14 g
Protein	0.5 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	2 g
Alcohol	~14 g (1.5 oz gin)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the lavender syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves.

2. Add dried or fresh lavender and simmer gently for 2 minutes.

3. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 5 minutes.

4. Strain into a jar or bottle, discarding the lavender. Allow to cool before using.

(This syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)

Step 2: Build the cocktail

1. In a cocktail shaker, add fresh blackberries and muddle gently until they release their juices.

2. Add gin, lemon juice, and 1 oz lavender syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.

3. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until chilled.

Step 3: Assemble and serve

1. Fill two glasses with fresh ice cubes.

2. Strain the blackberry-gin mixture evenly into each glass.

3. Top with chilled tonic water and stir lightly to combine.

4. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of lavender or lemon twist. Serve immediately.

Flavor Profile

• Blackberries: Juicy, tart, and slightly sweet, adding depth and color.

• Lavender syrup: Floral and aromatic, balancing the tartness of berries.

• Gin: Botanical and herbaceous, providing structure to the cocktail.

• Tonic water: Crisp and lightly bitter, cutting through sweetness for balance.

• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and ensures the drink isn’t overly sweet.

Variations

• Blackberry Lavender Gin Fizz: Replace tonic water with sparkling wine for a celebratory twist.

• Herbal variation: Swap lavender with rosemary or thyme for a more savory edge.

• Mocktail version: Skip gin and replace with sparkling water plus a splash of grape juice.

• Berry mix: Combine raspberries or blueberries with blackberries for added complexity.

Serving Suggestions

• Romantic dinner: Its deep purple hue and floral aroma make it perfect for date nights.

• Garden parties: Pair with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or fresh salads.

• Brunch: A sophisticated alternative to mimosas, especially with pastry or fruit spreads.

• Evening wind-down: A relaxing, fragrant drink to sip slowly after a long day.

Tips for Best Results

1. Use quality gin: A London Dry offers classic structure, while floral gins highlight lavender beautifully.

2. Balance sweetness: Adjust lavender syrup amount depending on the sweetness of your berries.

3. Chill ingredients: Keep tonic water and gin chilled for maximum refreshment.

4. Double strain: If you prefer a smooth drink, double-strain to remove blackberry seeds and pulp.

5. Garnish thoughtfully: A sprig of lavender not only looks elegant but also enhances aroma.

Why You’ll Love It

This cocktail captures the essence of both fruit and floral in one refreshing sip. It’s colorful, fragrant, and layered with flavor—perfect for impressing guests or indulging in something special at home. The combination of blackberries, lavender, gin, and tonic creates a drink that’s both familiar and unexpected, balancing sweetness, tartness, and botanical notes in perfect harmony