This lavender G&T cocktail makes the perfect any-season beverage for its refreshing flavour! Pick the buds straight from your garden, double-checking that the variety you have at home is safe to eat, of course.

MAKES 1 // COOKING TIME 25 min

INGREDIENTS
For the lavender syrup (makes approximately 1 cup syrup)
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp dried lavender buds
For the lavender G&T
2 tbsp gin
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lavender syrup
½ cup ice
200 ml tonic water
To serve
1 sprig lavender
1 slice lemon (optional)

METHOD
For the syrup
1. Place the water, sugar and lavender buds in a pot over medium heat. Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Allow to cool before straining the liquid through a sieve, discarding the lavender buds. Store in an airtight container.
For the lavender G&T
1. Mix the gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup together in a glass.
2. Add the ice and top with tonic water.
To serve
1. Stir the cocktail with a bar spoon and add a sprig of lavender and a slice of lemon.

Recipe & styling: Kate Turner
Photography: Andreas Eiselen // HMimages.co.za

There’s so much you can do with the herbs in your garden! Take a stab at these honey and chamomile biscuits.