Lavender Super Sonic

Eric Simmons | Chicago

Lavender Super Sonic Recipe Remix

For this variation on the Sonic, Eric Simmons makes a bespoke tonic syrup with lavender, citrus peels and spices for a fresh, floral essence and bittersweet bite. At his bar, he’ll often freeze lavender sprigs inside a rectangular ice cube for visual appeal, but that’s an optional touch.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces Roku gin
  • 2 ounces Roku gin
  • 1/2 ounce lavender tonic syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1/2 ounce lavender tonic syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1/4 ounce yuzu liqueur
  • 1/4 ounce yuzu liqueur
  • 1/4 ounce lime juice
  • 1/4 ounce lime juice
  • carbonated water, to top (preferably Topo Chico)
  • carbonated water, to top (preferably Topo Chico)

Garnish: grapefruit peel

Directions
  1. Shake first four ingredients with ice.
  2. Strain into a Collins glass over a long rectangular ice cube. Top with carbonated water.
  3. Twist grapefruit peel over top of the drink to express the essential oils, then discard the peel.
Editor's Note

Lavender Tonic Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 lemongrass stalk, diced
1/2 teaspoon edible lavender buds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 or 2 allspice berries
4 to 5 thyme sprigs, diced
peel of 1 grapefruit
peel of 1 lime

1. In a saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Add remaining ingredients, then lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out herbs and spices. Keeps, refrigerated, for about two weeks.