Instructions

Prepare the Lavender Simple Syrup:

• Combine water, sugar, and dried lavender in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir until sugar dissolves completely, then simmer for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and steep for exactly 10 minutes.
• Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently on the lavender to extract flavor. Cool completely before using. (Syrup keeps refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.)

Prepare the Cocktail:

• Chill a coupe glass in the freezer for 10 minutes or fill with ice water while preparing the drink.
• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and lavender simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
• Double-strain into the chilled coupe glass.
• Express grapefruit peel over the surface of the cocktail to release oils, then drop into the glass.
• Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig if desired. Serve immediately.

Entertaining Tip: For larger gatherings, prepare a batch by multiplying ingredients and combining in a pitcher. Add 20% additional liquid (grapefruit juice or water) to account for missing dilution from individual shaking.