Cocktail of the Week: Lemon Lavender Fizz

When I think about lavender, rarely does it come up as anything more than a simple, pretty flower with a relaxing scent and therapeutic qualities. It's perfect for a luxurious bubble bath, and a beautiful pop of purple color to any garden. But this shrub's tendency to be grouped together with the other soap scents does a disservice to its culinary strength: a relative of the mint family that's not uncommon in Provençal cookery, lavender deserves a permanent place in your pantry.

The flower's light, dusky flavor makes for a spectacular infusion in simple syrup, a mixture that's a cinch to put together and which has quickly turned into one of my kitchen staples. Two of my favorite recipes include a refreshing lavender honey sorbet and rich and creamy lavender fudge. It's also perfect in a drink, particularly paired with a nice dry gin. While gin can be hit or miss with certain mixers, its juniper-scented undertones play off nicely against the sweetness of the lavender syrup. Stirred with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and topped with club soda, it's a perfect springtime drink.

MAKES 1 COCKTAIL, INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. gin
• 1½ oz. lavender simple syrup*
• ¾ oz. lemon juice
• Dash of club soda
• Garnish with a twist of lemon

INSTRUCTIONS
Pour gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice into pint glass and stir. Top with club soda, garnish with lemon, and serve. To make the lavender simple syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1½ tbsp dried lavender buds

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan with lavender until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, then set to the side to cool. Strain out the lavender and refrigerate. Yields one cup.