Celebrate Sonoma County Lavender Month
The Songbird Spritz
A sophisticated botanical cocktail that balances floral lavender with tart cranberry and bright citrus, finished with an aromatic rosemary garnish.
Ingredients
2 oz Sabe, a low-proof sake and tequila blanco blend (or vodka, or gin)
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz lavender simple syrup*
4-5 oz grapefruit soda (like San Pellegrino Pompelmo or Fever-Tree)
Fresh rosemary sprig
Ice
Optional: dried lavender buds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the glass: Fill a short glass with ice. Gently clap the rosemary sprig between your palms to release its oils, then add to the glass.
Build the cocktail: Add gin and lavender simple syrup to the glass.
Add cranberry: Pour in the cranberry juice, which will create a beautiful color gradient.
Top and stir: Top with grapefruit soda and give a gentle stir to combine.
Garnish: Add a fresh rosemary sprig lavender sprig
Lavender Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool completely, then strain out the lavender. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
The cocktail should have a lovely pink-purple hue from the cranberry juice
Adjust lavender syrup to taste - start with less if you're unsure about the floral intensity
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the gin and add a splash of fresh lime juice
The rosemary provides an earthy counterpoint to the floral and fruity elements
