Lavender Gin Fizz & Lemon Herb Orzo – Easy Elegant Recipes

You can, but Hendrick’s Flora Adora is really special here — its floral botanicals are what make this cocktail feel like a garden in a glass. Regular Hendrick’s is your next best bet. A London Dry like Tanqueray will work but will taste more juniper-forward and less delicate.

Fee Brothers Lavender Water is a non-alcoholic flavoring made from distilled lavender. It’s concentrated, so a few dashes are all you need. You can find it online or at well-stocked liquor stores. It’s a great bottle to keep around for spring and summer cocktails.

Absolutely — steep 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender in 1 cup of hot simple syrup for 15–20 minutes, then strain. Use about ½ oz per cocktail and skip the plain simple syrup and lavender water.

Yes! Combine the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and lavender water in a pitcher and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour into coupes and top each with elderflower tonic. Hold the tonic until the last minute so you keep those bubbles.

Light, herby dishes are perfect — like our Lemon Herb Orzo! It also pairs well with goat cheese appetizers, spring salads, grilled shrimp, or a cheese board with fresh fruit.

Cooking in broth instead of water gives the orzo a savory depth of flavor that water just can’t match. It’s a small swap that makes a big difference — the orzo absorbs all that flavor as it cooks.

Sure! Couscous, ditalini, or even small shells would work here. Just follow the package directions for whatever you use and adjust the broth amount accordingly.

A mix is the way to go — we love parsley, dill, basil, and a little mint. But honestly, use what you have. Even just parsley and dill together is beautiful. The key is using them fresh, not dried.

Yes! It holds well in the fridge for up to 2 days. If serving cold or at room temp, just give it a toss and add a little extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving — orzo tends to absorb liquid as it sits.

Add the feta after the orzo has cooled slightly — if it’s too hot, the feta melts into the pasta rather than staying in those nice salty crumbles. A little patience goes a long way here.

Definitely — grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas would all be great. Or do what we’d do and serve it alongside last week’s Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp for a complete dinner.