Lavender Bitters Gin Cocktail: Recipes & Flavor Tips

gin lavender bitters cocktail with flower garnish

Lavender bitters open up an aromatic dimension to gin cocktails, adding a floral, subtly herbal nuance that complements gin’s botanicals. Whether you’re experimenting at home or looking to upgrade your classic drinks, cocktails with lavender bitters and gin can be surprisingly versatile and sophisticated.

What Are Bitters and Why Use Lavender Bitters?

Bitters are concentrated botanical extracts—usually alcohol-based—that deliver intense flavors with just a few drops. Bartenders rely on them to add complexity, balance sweetness, and amplify aromas. Lavender bitters, made from dried lavender flowers and supporting herbs, offer a floral top note and mild bitterness that elevate clear spirits like gin without overwhelming them.

Enhance floral and herbal notes in gin and other white spirits.
Add aromatic complexity and depth to both shaken and stirred cocktails.
Balance sweetness, especially in fruit-forward or citrus cocktails.

Classic Gin Lavender Bitters Cocktail Recipe

This signature gin lavender bitters cocktail emphasizes both elegance and simplicity. The recipe balances gin’s juniper punch with bright citrus and the clean, floral twist from lavender bitters.

60 ml London dry gin
22.5 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml honey syrup (mix 1:1 honey and warm water by ml)
3 ml lavender bitters
Lavender sprig or lemon twist as optional garnish

Add gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and lavender bitters to a shaker.
Fill with ice and shake hard for about 12 seconds.
Fine strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Garnish with a lavender sprig or twist of lemon.

Flavor Science: How Lavender Bitters Change Your Cocktail

Lavender bitters amplify delicate top notes with volatile aromatics—those first scents detected as you bring the glass close. Unlike sugared syrups, bitters bring complexity without extra sweetness and bridge between the bright acidity of citrus and gin’s botanicals.

Just a few ml add massive aroma—go slow to avoid overpowering the drink.
Pair with gins heavy on citrus, herb, or floral botanicals for synergy.
Lavender works especially well in martinis, Collins, or French 75 riffs.

Three Gin Lavender Bitters Cocktail Variations

Get creative with these approachable spins on classic gin lavender bitters cocktails:

Lavender Gin Gimlet: Shake 60 ml gin, 22.5 ml fresh lime juice, 15 ml syrup, and 2 ml lavender bitters. Strain and serve up.
Lavender Bitters Gin and Tonic: Build 45 ml gin, 90 ml tonic, and 2 ml lavender bitters over ice in a highball. Garnish with cucumber or mint.
Lavender French 75 Twist: Shake 30 ml gin, 15 ml lemon juice, 10 ml simple syrup, and 2 ml lavender bitters. Strain into a flute and top with 60 ml dry sparkling wine.

variations of lavender bitters gin cocktails in different glasses

Tips for Balancing Lavender Bitters in Gin Cocktails

Always start with a small amount of lavender bitters (1–3 ml) and taste before upping the dose.
Bitters layer best with gins that already feature floral, citrus, or herbal notes—avoid heavy juniper if you want the lavender to shine.
Consider pairing lavender bitters with citrus peels, edible flowers, or fresh herbs for garnish.

pouring lavender bitters into a gin cocktail

Experimenting With Homemade Lavender Bitters

Making your own lavender bitters allows you to control intensity and supporting flavors. Steep dried lavender (about 10 grams per 100 ml neutral spirit) with citrus peel, gentian root, and spices for one to two weeks. Strain and test with different gins to find your ideal blend.