The short answer: A Lavender Spritz consists of 5 cl lavender aperitif, ice, and tonic water in a ratio of about 1:3. It tastes floral and significantly drier than an Aperol Spritz—and works just as well with non-alcoholic aperitif.
The recipe for a Lavender Spritz
Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add 5 cl Lav'a Belle and top up with tonic water—roughly one part aperitif to three parts tonic. Stir briefly, then add a sprig of rosemary or a lemon zest to the glass.
The order is important: first the ice, then the liquid. This keeps the drink cold instead of diluting it. If you prefer it more tart, use bitter lemon instead of tonic.
What is a lavender aperitif anyway?
The base is organic lavender blossoms from Provence. Unlike perfumed drinks, the lavender does not stand alone: rosemary and thyme support it, over 40 other herbs are added, and bourbon vanilla and citrus notes round it off.
The result is an aperitif with a floral note that nevertheless remains herbal and spicy. Lav'a Belle has 18% vol—in the finished spritz, you end up at around 5–7% vol, which is about the level of a light wine.
Lavender Spritz or Aperol Spritz—what is the difference?
The most obvious difference is the sweetness. An Aperol Spritz thrives on bitter orange and a distinct residual sweetness; it is mixed with Prosecco and comes in at 8–9% vol. The Lavender Spritz is drier, is topped up with tonic instead of Prosecco, and relies on herbs instead of fruit.
Practically speaking, this means: if you find Aperol too sweet but like the idea of the aperitivo, the Lavender Spritz is for you. If you like it fruity and bitter, stick to the classic. Both need the same thing: plenty of ice and a large glass.
Does it work without alcohol?
Yes. Lav'a Belle Liberté is the non-alcoholic version with the same aroma base. Without alcohol, the floral note even comes through a bit more clearly. It is mixed identically: 5 cl over ice, top up with tonic.
The difference to many other non-alcoholic aperitifs is that no sugar is added to compensate for the lack of structure—the herbal spice carries the drink.
What does a Lavender Spritz go with?
As an aperitif before a meal, served at 6–8 °C. It goes well with olives, goat cheese, puff pastry, or a slice of baguette with herb butter—anything that doesn't fill you up but opens the evening. In summer, it works on the terrace; in winter, it goes surprisingly well with a cheese platter.
You can find both versions at Lava Belle.
