DIY Cocktail Essentials: Blueberry Lavender Simple Syrup

Now that you have hopefully been introduced to a variety of different of sugars and some basic syrup making techniques, lets start crafting some infused syrups. This is a great way to add a splash of flavor and color to any cocktail.

Using seasonal ingredients is a great way to capture the moment in a glass. With summer upon us, lavender is just starting to bloom, and that means it's the perfect time to incorporate it into your cocktails. If you do not have access to your own lavender, farmers markets or online stores are great resources for finding food grade pesticide free lavender buds. 

Another important thing to note, especially if you have never used lavender in a culinary setting; it can easily overtake anything it is added to. That makes it critical to use a minimalist approach and add only a little at a time, because our goal is to use lavender to accentuate and compliment the other flavors present, rather then overpower them entirely.

In contemplating possible flavor pairings, blueberry jumped off the page. Just as important is selecting our sugar.
Taking into consideration all the flavors that we're working with, using dark brown sugar should both compliment the richness of the blueberries, and also tone down the floral perfume of the lavender to a manageable level.

Blueberry Lavender Simple Syrup
Difficulty Level: Easy

-2 cups blueberries- fresh or frozen
-1 tbls. lavender buds
-2 cups dark brown sugar
-1 cup water

Bring all ingredients to a boil, lower temperature to a slow simmer for 15 mins. Turn off heat. Let sit for 30 mins.
Place fine mesh strainer over glass bowl or measuring cup, pour mixture over, gently press blueberries against side of strainer to remove any remaining juice in them.

Add 1-2 tbls. neutral spirit- opt. Pour in bottle and store in fridge.

The end product results in a deep intense midnight blue color and a not too complex, easily approachable flavor.

Notes: 

On the nose- strong blueberry with hints of molasses.
Palate- smooth mouth feel and not too sweet.
Taste- blueberry and subtle molasses, nearing the finish brings the lavender around but subtle enough as to not overpower. 

 Spirit Guides Cocktail: Midnight Mojito
-2.5 Oz Barbancourt White Rhum
-1.5 Oz key lime juice
-1 Oz blueberry lavender syrup
-Blueberries
-Mint leaves
-Seltzer

Gently muddle 6-8 fresh blueberries and 8-10 mint leaves in bottom of glass. Using weighted tins, add remaining ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake until frosty. Open pour into Collins glass leaving 2” head-space. Top with club soda, stir to incorporate. Garnish with blueberries, mint sprig, and a lavender bloom.

Barbancourt White Rhum rum is fantastically suited to this spin on the Mojito with its bright grassy, and tropical fruit notes. Look for our in depth review of this spirit soon!

Enjoy and as always, keep the spirit.

-Sabra E.
Spirit Guides Executive Chef and Chief
Charcuterie Curator