Swimming in the Suburbs

Name: Swimming in the Suburbs
Ingredients: 2 oz Black Peppercorn-infused Vodka; 1 oz Jardin Lavender Spirit Enhancer; 0.5 oz Lemon Zest Syrup; 0.75 oz Lemon Juice

+ 5 Likes

By Rachel

Submitted on: April 25, 2022

Refreshing

Spirit Forward

Google told me lavender went well with black pepper and lemon, so here we are. Though, it somehow ended up tasting like raspberry lemonade. Not at all in a bad way, just unexpected. Would love to hear a food scientist weigh in on the combo. This is an ideal cocktail to hide in a thermos and drink while people-watching at a public pool. The Jardin is pretty light and not very sweet, so I made my sweetener (lemon zest syrup) relatively thick so as to not water the drink down too much.

Ingredients

2 oz
Black Peppercorn-infused Vodka

1 oz
Jardin Lavender Spirit Enhancer

0.5 oz
Lemon Zest Syrup

0.75 oz
Lemon Juice

Instructions

Garnish

lemon

Build

Shake & Strain

Glass

Nick & Nora

Estimated strength

About 15% ABV (estimate)

By Rachel

Resident Mixologist

Anesthesiology resident physician, amateur cocktail recipe developer-photographer!

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Shake everything with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon. Black pepper and sugar on the rim. *Lemon zest syrup: Zest of one lemon + juice from that lemon + water (enough water such that with the juice, you have ¼ cup of liquid) + ½ cup of white granulated sugar + pinch of salt. Simmer everything and stir until dissolved and boiling for about 20 seconds. Cool covered. Strain and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Editor's Note

Black pepper and lavender create a surprising, bright profile that mimics fresh raspberry. A concentrated lemon zest syrup keeps the texture crisp and refreshing.

Ratings & Comments (1)

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Crafted Pour

21 July 2026

This sounds like such a refreshing and creative combination! The black pepper and lavender pairing is fascinating—do you have any tips on the best ratio for the black pepper and sugar rim to ensure it balances well with the drink?