Lady of the Lake Recipe

By
The Serious Eats Team
The Serious Eats Team
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Updated August 30, 2018
20111117-MQofS-LadyoftheLake.jpg
Alice Gao

Heather-infused vodka "picks up the heather notes of Scotch," with honey, lemon, and housemade lavender bitters; it's light and refreshing, a big twist of lemon on top bringing the brightness of citrus. "The first experience you get of a cocktail is a nose. You need a huge twist." It's one of their top sellers, among both men and women, feminine though its name may sound. "Some guys might not order it because 'Lady' is in the title—but, dude, do you know the story? She fixes his sword. This is a really phallic drink, bro."

Don't be put off by the lavender bitters and steeped vodka; the process "couldn't be easier," says McCarthy. "Get overproof vodka. Put lavender in it. Let it sit. That's it."

Note: Honey syrup is honey cut with equal parts hot water, making it easier to work with and mix.

More cocktails from Mary Queen of Scots »

Recipe Details

Lady of the Lake Recipe

Active 5 mins
Total 5 mins
Serves 1 serving

Ingredients

For the Cocktail:

  • 1 dash lavender bitters (see recipe below)

  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice

  • 3/4 ounce honey syrup (see notes)

  • 1 1/2 ounces heather flower-infused vodka (see recipe below)

  • Lemon twist

For the Lavender Bitters:

  • One 750-ml bottle 140-proof vodka (Devil's Spring recommended)

  • 20 tablespoons lavender flowers

  • 1 tablespoon white peppercorn

  • 1/2 tablespoon cardamom

  • 1/2 tablespoon coriander

  • 1 clove

For the Heather Flower-Infused Vodka:

  • 6 tablespoons heather flowers

  • One 750ml bottle vodka

Directions

  1. To make the lavender bitters: In a jar with a sealable lid, combine overproof vodka and all remaining ingredients. Let steep for one week. Strain before using.

  2. To make the infused vodka: In a jar with a sealable lid, combine vodka and heather flowers. Let steep for two days. Strain before using.

  3. To make the cocktail: Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into coupe. Squeeze lemon twist on top of drink and add as garnish.

Special Equipment

Cocktail shaker

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
151Calories
0gFat
15gCarbs
0gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories151
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 7mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
Dietary Fiber 0g1%
Total Sugars 13g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 5mg23%
Calcium 5mg0%
Iron 0mg1%
Potassium 35mg1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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