Blackberry and Lavender Gin and Tonic

Ingredients

For the Blackberry and Lavender Simple Syrup

200g Granulated sugar

½ pint cold water

200g Fresh Blackberries

1 Tsp. Lavender flowers

For the Blackberry and Lavender Gin and Tonic

50ml gin

25ml Blackberry and Lavender Simple Syrup (or to taste)

½ Tbsp. Limoncello or fresh lemon juice

Lemon tonic water to top up

Ice

Blackberries and Lavender sprigs to garnish

Method

Prepare the syrup in advance by rinsing the blackberries and lavender flowers gently in cold water.

Add the clean blackberries and sugar to a sauce pan and cover with the water. Slowly bring to the boil, stirring occasionally until all of the sugar has dissolved before adding the lavender.

Simmer for a few more minutes to let the lavender infuse then remove from the heat. Using a heat resistant potato masher, gently crush the berries slightly to release their juice.

Leave to cool completely then strain into a clean jar. The syrup will keep in the fridge for a week or you can pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze for an extra burst of flavour later. You can also use it to drizzle over desserts as well.

The Cocktail

Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the gin, Limoncello (or lemon juice) and top up with chilled tonic water.

Carefully pour in the blackberry and lavender simple syrup, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the glass.

Add a lavender sprig and blackberry then stir and serve.

Products Used