Ingredients:
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup Filtered Water (for syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Dried Lavender Buds (food-grade)
- 1 cup Fresh Blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 32 to 40 Fresh Mint Leaves
- 4 oz Fresh Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 8 oz White Rum
- 3 to 4 oz Lavender Syrup (cooled)
- Approx. 16 oz Soda Water (Club Soda, well-chilled)
- Crushed Ice, as needed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lavender Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 2-3 minutes).
- Infuse Lavender: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the dried, food-grade lavender buds.
- Steep: Cover the pan and allow the mixture to steep for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavor is pronounced.
- Strain and Cool: Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container, discarding the lavender buds. Allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature (approx. 30 minutes) before mixing the cocktails.
- Muddle the Fruit and Mint (Per Serving): Place 1/4 cup of blueberries and 8-10 mint leaves into the bottom of a sturdy highball glass.
- Add Syrups and Lime: Pour in 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice and 3/4 oz to 1 oz of the cooled lavender syrup.
- Gentle Muddling: Using the muddler, press down gently 4-5 times to break the blueberry skins and bruise the mint just enough to release the oils without making the drink bitter.
- Add Rum and Ice: Pour in 2 oz of white rum. Fill the glass nearly to the top with crushed ice.
- Stir and Top: Use a long spoon to stir the mixture briefly, ensuring the rum and syrup are fully incorporated. Top the drink with cold soda water.
- Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint (slapped lightly to release its aroma) and a few extra blueberries. Serve immediately.