Spring showers bring cocktail flowers

As the showers begin to roll in, the lavender bushes begin to bloom, and orange tree flower blossoms fill the air with a sweet citrus perfume. The time is perfect to welcome spring with a flower-infused cocktail.

Simple sugar syrups can easily be transformed into a flowery botanical flavor that highlights your cocktail subtly. Let's face it — you never want to overpower a cocktail, so these simple ingredients and techniques will enhance your toast to a new spring.

When choosing lavender, use buds that have not opened or flowered completely. Although you can also use dried lavender, I personally prefer the fresh for a sweeter blend.

How to make lavender simple syrup:

•  1 cup filtered water
• 3 tablespoons fresh lavender flowers
• 2 cups sugar

• Bring water and lavender to a boil
• Stir in sugar until fully dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
• Strain out the lavender buds. Pour into the bottle and store refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Ila's lavender spring-tini

• 2 1/2 ounces Belvedere vodka
• 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce lavender simple syrup

• Pour over ice in shaker
• Shake well, strain into chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh lavender sprig. Relax and enjoy the calming properties of lavender.

P.S. — Chef Pedro also suggests trying lavender simple syrup with 1 cup honey to sweeten any of your favorite desserts. Lavender rice puddings, lavender honey sorbet or lavender vanilla bean ice cream over shortbread.