Welcome to the second installment in my spring cocktail series. I’ve already talked about my favorite spring-y twist on a gin martini (where I also raved about Hendrick’s gin). Now it’s time to indulge in an entirely different, but still ridiculously simple, cocktail. On lazy afternoons, when I have some reading and writing to do—this new time called always—I often crave this twist on a classic gimlet. It’s sweet and refreshing—like adult limeade—but it still has that pleasant, slow, goes-to-your-head effect that I demand from a gin cocktail.

Spring Gimlet

2 oz Hendrick’s gin
1 oz lime juice
1 oz lavender simple syrup

Shake all ingredients over ice. Serve in a cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wedge or lime twist. Or go for a rocks glass if you like the design, because rules were made to be broken. That just means that you’ll have to drink it faster so it doesn’t get warm.

Lavender Simple Syrup

In the interest of keeping the flavors fresh and seasonal, I’ve substituted lavender infused simple syrup for the usual plain variety. To make a standard simple syrup, heat equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. If you want to add another layer of flavor, you can infuse something botanical at this stage. Try adding a teaspoon of lavender buds, and let them steep in the cooling syrup for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture into a clean glass container. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for one month.