Lightning Lavender Margarita – Moonshine Cocktail with a Twist
Add a stunning Lightning Lavender Margarita to your list of must-try cocktails. Its blend of lavender and citrus flavors creates a refreshing and eye-catching drink, perfect for entertaining or a quiet evening. This margarita also makes a beautiful addition to any table thanks to its vibrant color.
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Looking for a cocktail that’s as vibrant as it is refreshing? Meet the Lightning Lavender Margarita. It’s a floral and citrusy twist on the classic margarita. This recipe pairs crisp, zesty lime with the unique punch of moonshine and the subtle aroma of lavender. This drink isn’t just a treat for the taste buds. It’s a conversation starter that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special at home. Kick up your serving game and rim the glass with some lavender sugar!
This is the year I’m stepping up my cocktail game for A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. I’ve shared a moonshine margarita from a local distillery. That was fun! I learned all about their processes and different liquors. And, of course, I got to taste all the different strengths of their rye, whiskey, and bourbon. Just as an FYI, I liked their cask strength rye; the 124 proof.
Now, the American Whiskey is almost like a moonshine style whiskey. So, it’s got a punch. The lavender syrup is sweet and light and refreshing. But I needed something to meld the two together. Something that would complement the sweet and tone down the kick. Something citrus. Why not a margarita??
What Is Moonshine?
Moonshine is a high-proof, unaged spirit, typically made from corn, though it can use other grains or fruit. Clear in color and packing a punch, moonshine has roots in homemade distillation but is now produced legally by many local distilleries. Its unfiltered, rustic character makes it the perfect base for bold, expressive cocktails like the Lightning Lavender Margarita.
Its story begins in rural America, especially in the Appalachian Mountains. When government taxes on whiskey made it too expensive or difficult to obtain, enterprising folks took spirit production underground. And sometimes literally underground.
Homemade stills bubbled away in secret, creating strong liquor that became a symbol of rebellion, resourcefulness, and American ingenuity. Over time, moonshine became woven into folklore, music, and even car racing culture. Bootleggers outran government agents on winding country roads.
The nickname “white lightning” says it all. Moonshine is clear as water and hits with electrifying strength. The term reflects the spirit’s fiery kick and its translucent, almost glowing appearance. Sipping white lightning delivers an immediate jolt, making it memorable and a bit legendary among those brave enough to try it.
Moonshine is, from my understanding, the first step in the process of making other spirits like rye and bourbon. It’s unaged whereas the other two are aged. Moonshine can use various grains, but most are made with corn which is also the base for bourbon. But distillers can use various grains including rye or a rye blend. Which leads them to making rye that is also an aged spirit.
Choosing the Right Moonshine from a Local Distillery
Shopping for moonshine? Skip the big brands and check out local distilleries. Look for bottles labeled as “unaged whiskey” or “corn whiskey” for a more traditional moonshine experience. Ask for tastings, if available, and select a moonshine that’s smooth that is not too harsh or too sweet.
Local distillers often infuse their spirits with unique regional flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Supporting a local producer ensures your Lightning Lavender Margarita is authentic and fresh.
Using Fresh Lime Juice
Speaking of fresh, nothing beats the brightness of freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled varieties can taste dull or bitter. Fresh lime brings zing and balance that’s crucial in a margarita. Roll the limes on the counter before juicing to maximize yield and always strain to remove pulp for a smoother drink. The freshness will shine through and complement the lavender and moonshine perfectly.
Infusing Lavender into Your Cocktail
Making your own lavender syrup is simple and adds a beautiful complexity to the cocktail. Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan and add a few teaspoons of dried culinary lavender. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes then strain, cool, and store. The result is a fragrant syrup that elevates your margarita with a gentle, aromatic sweetness. I’m not sure I can source culinary lavender near me, so I opted for a prepared Torani lavender syrup.
Garnishing and Serving Your Cocktail Creation
Presentation brings your Lightning Lavender Margarita to life. Serve over ice in a rocks glass with a lavender sugar rim. Garnish with a lime wheel, a sprig of fresh lavender, or even an edible flower for extra flair. If you want to impress, freeze small lavender buds or petals in ice cubes for a delightful visual touch. Serve immediately and watch your guests’ eyes light up at this beautiful and delicious creation.
Ingredients to make this Lightning Lavender Margarita recipe
Minus the lime, this is all pantry, or bar cart, ingredients:
Moonshine, tequila, lavender syrup, lime juice
Simple steps to make this margarita recipe
Rim a rocks glass with lime juice and dip in lavender sugar. Fill it with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine moonshine, tequila, lime juice, and lavender syrup. Add ice and shake well until chilled. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and lavender sprig. I use the Hawthorne strainer for all my cocktails. It’s easier to use and catches more than the strainer on the cocktail shaker.
Just look at that color! Who wouldn’t love to dive into this after not only seeing them, but finding out they’re lavender? I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen ANY lavender margaritas on a menu at a restaurant. Have you?
Don’t forget to grab some fun glasses to serve these margaritas. These are JoyJolt glasses that I fell in love with. They’re a fun triangle shape and have a cool geometric design on the bottom. I don’t think they’re still available, but these stemless martini glasses would be great for this margarita.
This Lightning Lavender Margarita is more than just a drink. It’s a total experience that highlights the versatility of moonshine in a beautiful and delicious cocktail. Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just starting to explore the world of cocktails, this recipe is for you! It invites you to embrace local flavors, experiment with floral and citrus notes, and enjoy the success of a well-crafted drink. Cheers to new adventures in your cocktail glass!
Lightning Lavender Margarita
Have you ever tasted a Lightning Lavender Margarita? The balance of floral sweetness and zesty punch might become your new favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce white whiskey
- 1 ounce tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces Torani lavender syrup
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled; about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Fill an old fashioned glass (or margarita glass) with ice.
- Using a strainer, pour over ice into the old fashioned (or margarita) glass and serve.
Notes
This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 249Sodium 25mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 1gSugar 18gProtein 0g
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This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly. Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Joyjolt, Sweets & Treats, Torani, Sarcastic Cooking, Dessert for Two, Sweet Phi, and The Little Ferraro Kitchen for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions are my own.
How did you do the rim of glass? Sugar and lavender?
I used a purple sanding sugar for cookies. It’s a fun way to get color on the rims.
Thanks for sharing! How far ahead of time can I make it?
I would imagine no more than a week ahead would be good.
This looks so good! What a great drink to make for friends for “Galentines Day”!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Sounds tasty, and the pictures are lovely- but my inner grammar nerd can’t stand it: it’s “lightning” not “lightening”
Thanks for your comment.
I like to have a perfect balance of sweet and savory for Brunch!
That’s the way it should be!
One of my favorite things I love about brunch is I don’t have to decide between sweet and savory.
I enjoy both!
I think we all do!