The Lady of the Lake Cocktail is a luminous, herbaceous creation steeped in enchantment and botanical complexity. Drawing inspiration from Arthurian legend, this floral-infused drink balances the sweetness of sweet woodruff with the mystique of green Chartreuse and the brightness of citrus. With its ethereal green hue and delicate floral garnish, it’s a refined and magical addition to any spring or summer gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A strikingly beautiful cocktail with a captivating color and aromatic bouquet
- Combines sweet woodruff, gin, citrus, and bitters for a complex flavor profile
- Elegant and unique, ideal for special occasions or themed soirées
- Offers a botanical twist on traditional gin-based cocktails
- The sweet woodruff syrup can be made ahead and used in other drinks or desserts
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cocktail:
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz green Chartreuse
- 1 oz sweet woodruff syrup (recipe below)
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes grapefruit bitters
- Ice
- Fresh edible flowers, for garnish (such as jasmine, pansies, or primrose)
Sweet Woodruff Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons dried sweet woodruff
Directions
To Make the Syrup:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in dried sweet woodruff. Cover and let steep for 20–30 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve and allow to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To Make the Cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, green Chartreuse, sweet woodruff syrup, lemon juice, and grapefruit bitters.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with edible flowers for a graceful, storybook-inspired finish.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for syrup)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 170 kcal per cocktail
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute gin and Chartreuse with herbal tea concentrates or non-alcoholic spirits for a mocktail.
- Herb Swaps: If sweet woodruff is unavailable, use floral honey or elderflower cordial in the syrup.
- Citrus Options: Try lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a softer or sweeter citrus profile.
- Spirits Variation: Swap gin for vodka or an herbal aperitif for a different base.
- Frozen Version: Blend with ice for a refreshing frozen take on the cocktail, perfect for summer afternoons.
Storage/Reheating
- Syrup Storage: Keep sweet woodruff syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Premixing: You can batch the cocktail (without ice) and refrigerate for up to a day. Shake with ice just before serving.
- Garnish Storage: Use edible flowers just before serving to ensure freshness and visual appeal.
FAQs
What does sweet woodruff taste like?
Sweet woodruff has a sweet, slightly grassy flavor with hints of vanilla and hay, often used in traditional European drinks and desserts.
Can I use fresh sweet woodruff?
Yes, though dried sweet woodruff is more commonly used for syrups due to its stronger aroma when dried.
What is Chartreuse and what does it add?
Green Chartreuse is a French liqueur made with 130 herbs. It adds depth, complexity, and a vivid green hue.
Is this cocktail very sweet?
It is balanced; the syrup provides sweetness, but the citrus and bitters cut through for a rounded, nuanced flavor.
What gin works best in this recipe?
A London dry gin works well for clarity, while a botanical gin enhances the herbal complexity of the drink.
Can I make this cocktail in advance?
Yes, the components can be pre-mixed and refrigerated. Shake with ice just before serving for best texture and temperature.
Are the flowers necessary?
They are optional, but they elevate the visual appeal and thematic presentation of the cocktail.
Can I use other bitters?
Yes, orange or lavender bitters can be used for a different aromatic profile.
Is it safe to consume sweet woodruff?
In small culinary amounts, yes. Always use dried sweet woodruff from a reputable culinary source.
What glassware is best?
A coupe or Nick & Nora glass showcases the color and allows the floral garnish to float delicately on top.
Conclusion
The Lady of the Lake Cocktail is a poetic fusion of myth and mixology. With its blend of botanical gin, mysterious green Chartreuse, and delicately sweet woodruff syrup, this drink offers a rare and elegant experience. Finished with a flourish of fresh flowers, it’s the perfect embodiment of spring’s beauty and an enchanting tribute to timeless legends. Whether for a garden party or an evening of storytelling, this cocktail is a magical centerpiece.
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Lady of the Lake Cocktail
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An ethereal and herbaceous cocktail inspired by Arthurian lore, featuring the floral sweetness of sweet woodruff, citrus brightness, and a mystical green hue—gracefully garnished with fresh flowers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz green Chartreuse
- 1 oz sweet woodruff syrup (see below)
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes grapefruit bitters
- Ice
- Fresh edible flowers, for garnish
- Sweet Woodruff Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp dried sweet woodruff
Instructions
- Make the Syrup: Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add sweet woodruff, cover, and let steep for 20–30 minutes. Strain and let cool. Store in fridge.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, Chartreuse, sweet woodruff syrup, lemon juice, and grapefruit bitters. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with small edible flowers like jasmine, pansies, or primrose for an enchanting finish.
Notes
- Sweet woodruff syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Use a floral, botanical gin to enhance the herbaceous notes.
- Green Chartreuse adds complexity and a vibrant green hue.
- Garnishes should be edible and unsprayed—choose delicate flowers for elegance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Modern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
