LAVENDER LEMON GIN FIZZY

Don't get me started on how this drink is 1000% spring-in-a-glass. It's our go-to for a sunny day sipper, perfect for an Easter/Passover/Mother's Day brunch cocktail, and might just have the magical power to conjure the tulips and daffodils in late March.

Remove the booze and you've got a drink that makes everyone feel like summer is possible.

• 1 teaspoon Lavender Sea Salt  (we love Mediterranean Citrus, too!)
• 3 oz gin
• 1.5 oz lavender simple syrup (regular simple syrup works, too!)
• 1.5 oz small lemon, reserve lemon rind
• 1-2 oz splash soda water or seltzer

(See Lavender Simple Syrup directions below.)

DIRECTIONS

With a mortar and pestle, grind the salt until it is a fine grain that you wish. Pour onto a small plate or clean countertop. Run the cut edge of lemon rind around rim of glass. Set the glass in the salt, working around the edge of glass to cover desired area of rim with salt. 

Combine gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake for 20-30 seconds. Taste test and adjust syrup, citrus or gin, shaking again as needed. Pour into glass. Top with splash of soda water and garnish with a thinly sliced fresh lemon wheel, a sprig of lavender, or both. Think of baby angels.

1. Bring equal parts water + sugar to a gentle boil in saucepan. 
2. Lower heat and stir gently until all sugar is dissolved.
3. Add 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers (or 1/2 fresh basil or mint leaves-yum!)
4. Take off heat, let sit for 1 hour, then strain and chill.