In celebration of these last summer days, we are happy to share one of our favorite cocktails with you – The Lavender Dream Martini.

This specialty cocktail was carefully concocted within the bar walls of downtown Parkersburg’s own Blennerhassett Hotel. I receive a lot of puzzled looks when I suggest this cocktail to my guests. No, you’re not drinking a flower. However, your drink is infused with a flower. The name lavender comes from the Latin verb, “lavare,” which means to wash. Lavender is also beneficial to stress relief. Lavender is also delicious in a cocktail. Do you see where I am going with this yet?

When it comes to the taste and fragrance of this particular cocktail, real lavender (not extract) is of utmost importance. We source our dried lavender from Mother Earth Foods. Their herbs are organic and locally grown. As a local business, we like to support fellow local businesses that offer a great product. The lavender from Mother Earth is always of consistent quality, and wow, it sure makes a pretty drink. Fresh lavender will provide the same taste, but the color is not nearly as striking as using dried lavender.

The sweetness of the Lavender Dream comes from our house made lavender-infused simple syrup. We make ours in bulk, but I will break it down for you to make with just a few cocktails (or enjoy with a glass of tea).

Ingredients and supplies for simple syrup:

1 cup boiling water
3 tbsp. dried lavender
2 cups sugar
Coffee filter
Small funnel

Preparation
Bring water to a boil. Add lavender and sugar, mix gently. Be sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat, let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Once mixture is cool to the touch, strain through the coffee filter and funnel into a pitcher.

Mixture will store for approximately one week.

Now, for the fun part – the martini!

Ingredients and supplies:

Cocktail shaker/strainer
Measuring supply of choice (a jigger usually works best for consistency)
1 cup ice
3 oz. Vanilla Vodka (we prefer Absolut, but you can use your brand of choice)
2 oz. Lavender Simple Syrup
Half pressed lemon

Preparation
Mix all ingredients together until chilled – roughly about 20 shakes. Strain into chilled or room temperature glass, depending on your preference. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

If you haven’t tried this cocktail yet, or you simply don’t trust your bartending abilities, come see us in the Spats lounge.
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