The Lilac Blush requires only a simple trifecta of ingredients: one muddled lemon slice, lilac syrup and gin. But don’t let its simplicity deceive you as the complexity of nature is the real show runner in this color-changing cocktail.
Lilacs, a drought-tolerant shrub, are ubiquitous across Colorado. Whether blooming in neighbors’ gardens, lining small-town streets, or dotting mountain trails, they’re now in full glory— radiating shades of purple, lavender, white and pink, as they sense the freeze has passed.
The magic in this cocktail lies in anthocyanins— the natural pigment found in purple lilacs. These pigments, present in the lilac syrup, react to pH. When introduced to the acidity from the muddled lemon, they transform. Shaken with ice and strained into a chilled coupe, the drink reveals a stunning blushing pink — an incredible contrast to its garnish: purple lilacs atop a dried lemon float.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Dry Land Native Colorado Gin
- 1 1/4" Slice of Lemon
- 3/4 oz Lilac Simple Syrup
- 2-3 Drops Orange Bitters (optional)
Garnish: Dried or Fresh Lemon Slice Float
Glass: Coupe or Absinth Glass
Directions
- Muddle lemon in shaker.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients with lemon and ice and shake briskly for ~15 seconds.
- Double strain into chilled glassware.
- Garnish with lemon slice float
Lilac Simple Syrup
- 5 Bundles of Lilac Blossoms (stems and leaves removed)
- 1.5 Cups Water
- 1.5 Cups White Cane Sugar
Add fresh lilac blossoms to 1.5 cups water bring to boil, cover turn down to simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Strain out blossoms and add 1.5 cups sugar to hot liquid. Stir until dissolved. Once cooled, store in a jar in the refrigerator.
