Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup: Elevate Your Drinks & Desserts with Floral Sweetness
Transform your home kitchen into a gourmet cafe or cocktail bar with this incredibly easy-to-make Lavender Simple Syrup! It’s the perfect way to infuse your favorite beverages and sweet treats with a unique, fragrant, and subtly sweet floral essence. In just minutes, you can craft your own batch and enjoy the delicate aroma of freshly blooming lavender flowers, bringing a touch of spring to any season.
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About This Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe
Lavender simple syrup is your secret ingredient to infusing an exquisite floral note into all your culinary creations, from refreshing drinks to delicate desserts. For years, I’ve been captivated by the enchanting taste of lavender, ever since my first sip of a lavender latte. That moment of delicate floral sweetness was truly unforgettable, and it sparked a desire to incorporate this elegant flavor into more of my everyday cooking.
With spring’s arrival, there’s no better time to embrace these light, fragrant flavors, and this homemade lavender simple syrup became an absolute must-have in my kitchen. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned mixologist or a master baker to create something spectacular. The process is as straightforward as combining high-quality lavender buds with sugar and water, gently simmering, and then allowing the magic of steeping to unfold.
This subtle sweetness, combined with its captivating aroma and wide range of uses, makes this syrup an indispensable addition to your pantry. It’s perfect for elevating ordinary beverages into extraordinary experiences and transforming simple desserts into sophisticated treats. Don’t hesitate to try it out and discover how this delightful syrup can breathe new life into your drinks and confections!
Making your own simple syrup also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the intensity of the lavender flavor, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste that store-bought versions often lack. Plus, the process itself is a wonderfully aromatic experience, filling your kitchen with the calming scent of lavender.
Essential Ingredients for Lavender Syrup
Crafting this aromatic simple syrup requires just a few basic ingredients, but selecting the right ones is key to achieving that perfect floral balance.
- Culinary Lavender Buds: For this recipe, I highly recommend using dried culinary lavender flowers or buds. The “culinary” distinction is crucial here, as not all lavender is safe for consumption. Culinary-grade lavender is specifically grown without pesticides and is intended for food use. Dried buds offer a concentrated, consistent flavor and are generally much easier to source than fresh culinary lavender. Remember, lavender has a potent flavor, so a light hand ensures a delicate, not overpowering, floral note in your syrup. You can often find them at specialty spice shops, health food stores, or online.
- Granulated Sugar: A classic simple syrup uses granulated sugar, and this recipe is no exception. It dissolves easily and provides a clean sweetness that allows the lavender’s flavor to shine. While you could experiment with coconut sugar for a slightly different undertone, I advise against using light or dark brown sugar, as their molasses notes would clash with the delicate floral profile of lavender.
- Water: The quality of your water can subtly impact the final taste of your syrup. I prefer using filtered water to ensure a pure flavor, especially if your tap water has a distinct taste (metallic or chlorinated). However, standard tap water works perfectly fine if it’s generally good quality. The goal is to let the lavender be the star, so clean-tasting water is ideal.
Must-Have Equipment
Gathering the right tools before you begin will make the process of crafting your lavender simple syrup smooth and effortless. You’ll need:
- Measuring Cups: Essential for accurately measuring your lavender buds, sugar, and water, ensuring the correct syrup consistency and flavor balance.
- Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is perfect for simmering the ingredients. Choose one with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching.
- Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: For stirring the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Absolutely crucial for separating the lavender buds from the syrup, resulting in a beautifully clear and smooth final product. Don’t skip this step!
- Airtight Storage Container: Once cooled, your syrup needs to be stored properly. I love using mason jars for their classic look and tight seal, but any glass or plastic airtight container will work.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
Making your own lavender simple syrup is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to create your fragrant syrup:
Bring to a Gentle Boil
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine your measured lavender buds, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture warms up. Your goal is to bring the liquid to a gentle boil, ensuring all the ingredients are well-combined and the sugar begins to dissolve.
Simmer and Dissolve
Once the mixture reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Continue to cook and stir consistently for about 5 minutes. During this time, the sugar will fully dissolve into the water, creating a clear, slightly thickened syrup base. Removing from heat after this stage is important to prevent over-reduction, which could make your syrup too thick or overly sweet.
Steep for Perfect Flavor
After removing the saucepan from the heat, allow the lavender buds to steep directly in the hot syrup as it cools. This is where the magic happens and the lavender infuses its beautiful flavor into the syrup. After 15 minutes, carefully taste a small amount of the syrup. If you find the floral flavor to be just right, pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to strain out all the lavender buds, leaving you with a smooth, clear syrup. If you prefer a more pronounced lavender flavor, let it steep for an additional 5 to 15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes until it reaches your desired intensity. Personally, I find 15-20 minutes to be the sweet spot for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Once strained, allow the lavender simple syrup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container for storage. This ensures the best texture and longevity.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Lavender Syrup
Achieving the perfect lavender simple syrup is easy, but a few expert tips can elevate your results and ensure you get the most out of your floral infusion:
- Scale Up with Ease: This recipe yields about 1 cup of syrup, which is a good starting point. However, if you’re planning a party, making gifts, or simply want to have more on hand, feel free to easily double or even triple the recipe. The ratio of water to sugar to lavender remains the same, so scaling up is straightforward.
- Choose the Right Lavender: This is arguably the most critical tip. Always ensure you are using culinary-grade lavender, whether fresh or dried. Lavender not labeled “food grade” might be treated with pesticides or other chemicals that are unsafe for consumption. When buying fresh, ask about its treatment. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) varieties are generally preferred for cooking due to their sweeter, less camphorous notes.
- Master the Steep: The steeping process is where your syrup gains its distinct lavender flavor. Don’t rush it! Allowing the syrup to sit off the heat for 15-20 minutes provides ample time for the lavender buds to infuse their essence. This also allows for customization: taste after 15 minutes, and if you desire a bolder flavor, continue steeping, checking every 5 minutes until it’s just right for your palate. Over-steeping can lead to a slightly bitter or overly “soapy” taste, so mindful tasting is key.
- Add a Citrus Brightness: For an exciting twist, consider adding a touch of citrus to your syrup. Incorporating a few fresh or dried citrus wheels (such as lemon, orange, or even grapefruit) during the simmering process or while steeping can add a vibrant, complementary tang that brightens the floral notes of the lavender. Lemon and orange are particularly delightful pairings.
- Introduce Vanilla Depth: Another fantastic way to add complexity to your lavender syrup is by stirring in a splash of pure vanilla extract after you’ve strained out the lavender buds. Vanilla’s warm, sweet notes beautifully complement the delicate floral character of lavender, adding a subtle depth without overpowering it. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more as desired to avoid making it too strong.
More flavored simple syrup recipes to explore: Cinnamon Simple Syrup | Cherry Simple Syrup | Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup | Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup
Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Syrup
Can I use fresh lavender?
Absolutely! You can certainly substitute fresh lavender for dried in this simple syrup recipe. When using fresh lavender, there are a couple of important considerations. First, ensure that the lavender you use is culinary grade and has not been treated with any pesticides or harmful chemicals. Second, for the best flavor, aim to use fresh lavender buds that are still tightly closed and vibrant purple, rather than fully opened flowers. Tightly wrapped buds tend to release a more concentrated and nuanced flavor. You might need to use a bit more fresh lavender than dried, as dried herbs typically have a more potent flavor.
How long does lavender simple syrup last?
Properly stored, your homemade lavender simple syrup can last for quite a while. When refrigerated in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 1 month. For longer storage, you have the option to freeze it, which can extend its shelf life to several months. Detailed instructions for both refrigeration and freezing are provided below to help you maximize your syrup’s freshness.
Do you need to refrigerate lavender syrup?
Yes, refrigeration is essential for all simple syrups, including lavender syrup. Because simple syrup is a sugar solution that can eventually ferment or mold, keeping it cold significantly extends its shelf life. Store your lavender simple syrup in a clean, airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. A pro tip: always label your containers with the date it was made and the expiration date (1 month from creation) for easy reference. This way, you’ll always know your syrup is fresh and safe to use.
Can you freeze lavender simple syrup?
Yes, freezing is an excellent option if you want to store your lavender simple syrup for longer than a month. To freeze, pour the completely cooled syrup into an airtight, freezer-safe container. I recommend using plastic containers over glass for freezing, as glass can sometimes crack or shatter if there isn’t enough headspace for the liquid to expand. Frozen syrup can last for several months. Alternatively, for convenient smaller portions, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays. Once solid, transfer the lavender syrup cubes to a freezer-safe resealable bag, and they’ll be ready to pop into drinks whenever you need a floral touch!
Is there a way to make this syrup purple?
It’s a common misconception that lavender simple syrup will naturally turn a vibrant purple color. Most homemade lavender syrups actually come out a lovely shade of light amber or beige, which is perfectly normal. The final color depends largely on whether you use fresh or dried buds, and the intensity of purple pigmentation in the specific lavender variety. Edible dried lavender, often made from the less pigmented buds, typically results in a lighter color. If a purple hue is a must for your presentation, you can achieve it by adding a couple of drops of red and blue liquid food coloring. You may need to experiment slightly with the ratios to get your desired shade, especially if your syrup has a darker beige base.
Is lavender syrup good in coffee?
Absolutely! Lavender syrup is a delightful and increasingly popular addition to coffee, offering a sophisticated floral twist to your favorite brew. It pairs wonderfully with the robust notes of coffee, creating a harmonious and aromatic beverage. You can use it to make a fragrant lavender latte, a delicate lavender cappuccino, or simply stir a spoonful into your morning cup of brewed coffee for an elevated experience. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste, as a little goes a long way in adding that distinct floral character.
Need more inspiration for cocktails? Check out my cocktails recipe page!
Creative Ways to Use Your Lavender Simple Syrup
This versatile lavender simple syrup is a true game-changer in the kitchen, offering endless possibilities for enhancing both sweet and savory creations. Its subtle floral sweetness makes it a fantastic addition to a wide range of dishes and drinks. Here are some of my favorite ways to use this fragrant syrup:
- Elevate Your Cocktails & Mocktails: This syrup is a natural fit for mixology! Use it to add a sophisticated floral twist to classic cocktails like gin fizzes, martinis, or margaritas. It’s also fantastic in unique combinations such as this Lavender Rosé Royale Cocktail or simply mixed with sparkling wine or prosecco for an elegant spritzer. For non-alcoholic options, stir it into sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing mocktail.
- Floral Coffee & Tea Infusions: Transform your daily caffeine ritual. Stir a spoonful into your favorite coffee for a delightful lavender latte – simply combine it with steamed or warm milk and espresso. It’s also wonderful in hot teas like Earl Grey or to create a homemade London Fog. Don’t forget iced tea and cold brew for a refreshing floral note!
- Homemade Lemonade & Juices: Replace granulated sugar with lavender syrup to sweeten homemade lemonade. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet lavender is utterly divine, making it perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a refreshing afternoon drink. It also works beautifully in other fruit juices.
- Moisture & Flavor for Baked Goods: Brush the exterior of a freshly baked vanilla cake, pound cake, or lemon curd cake layers with the syrup to add moisture, sweetness, and a delicate floral aroma. It’s an easy way to elevate your baking without much effort.
- Dessert Topping Extraordinaire: Drizzle it generously over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or crepes for a gourmet breakfast. It’s also an incredible topping for ice cream (especially our creamy Lavender Honey Ice Cream!), yogurt, fruit salads, panna cotta, or custards.
- Unique Salad Dressings & Glazes: Whisk it into vinaigrettes for a subtly sweet and floral salad dressing, particularly good with salads featuring berries or goat cheese. You can also use it to glaze roasted vegetables like carrots or to add a unique sweetness to savory dishes.
Storage and Freezing Lavender Syrup
Proper storage is key to extending the life of your homemade lavender simple syrup and ensuring it’s always ready when inspiration strikes.
- Refrigerate: Always allow your lavender simple syrup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 1 month. Make sure to label your container with the date it was made!
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you’ve made a large batch or want to keep some syrup for several months, freezing is a great option. Once completely cooled, pour the syrup into an airtight, freezer-safe container. I recommend using plastic containers, as glass can sometimes crack when frozen liquids expand; if using glass, ensure you leave at least an inch of headspace at the top. The syrup will keep well in the freezer for several months. For convenient single servings, freeze the syrup in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
- Thaw: To use frozen syrup, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, keep it stored in the refrigerator and use within the recommended 1-month period.
Finally, if you make this delightful lavender simple syrup recipe, please be sure to give it a rating or leave a comment! I truly love hearing about your experiences and seeing your creations. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions below – I make sure to respond to every single one. And most importantly, be sure to tag me on Instagram if you share your results! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is genuinely my favorite thing, and it means the world to me!
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Lavender Simple Syrup
Equipment
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Saucepan
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Fine Mesh Strainer
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Mason Jars or Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp culinary dried or fresh lavender buds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
Instructions
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Combine the lavender buds, granulated sugar, and filtered water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
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Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Continue to cook and stir for about 5 minutes, ensuring the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup is clear. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
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Allow the lavender buds to steep in the hot syrup as it cools. After 15 minutes, carefully taste the syrup to check the flavor intensity. If you are satisfied with the lavender flavor, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the buds. If you prefer a stronger flavor, let it steep for an additional 5 to 15 minutes, tasting every 5 minutes until it reaches your desired strength.
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Cool the lavender simple syrup completely to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into an airtight container or jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month.
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Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 204g |
Protein: 0.5g |
Fat: 1g |
Sodium: 14mg |
Potassium: 4mg |
Sugar: 200g |
Vitamin A: 135IU |
Vitamin C: 5mg |
Calcium: 108mg |
Iron: 1mg