Best Substitutes for Lavender

Out of Lavender? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

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Original Ingredient

Lavender

Other Intensely floral nose with sweet, perfumed purple blossoms and herbaceous depth. Palate is aromatic with slightly bitter, camphor-like quality and honey sweetness. Long, perfumed, calming finish.

Recommended Substitutes

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Rose

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Rosemary

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Thyme

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Elderflower cordial

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.