Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe

Let's talk about simple syrup. It'sIt's a mixture of sugar and water used in cocktails, desserts, mocktails, etc. it's a great option to preserve flavors from fruits. This sweet lavender syrup can be flavored with herbs and spices and is the easiest way to make drinks sweeter or moister! 

Making simple syrup couldn't be easier—all you have to do is heat sugar, water, and a little lemon juice for about 20 minutes until it becomes consistent. 

I like making mine at home because it saves money, and I can make whatever flavorings I want: lavender. Rosemary? Earl grey tea leaves? The possibilities are endless!  

This is the easiest homemade lavender simple syrup recipe. Simple syrup is highly used in professional kitchens, cooking, coffee drinks, baked goods, and more. 

What is lavender simple syrup?

Simple syrup is a sweetener that's used in cocktails and other recipes. It's made by combining sugar and water and heating until the sugar dissolves. You can flavor the simple syrup with herbs, spices, citrus zest or peel (like we did for our blood orange simple syrup), fruit peels (like lemon or grapefruit), or nuts.

Is lavender edible?

Lavender is edible, and the lavender flavor can be described as floral with a peppery undertone. It works well in sweet and savory dishes—it can be used in baked goods, syrups, cocktails, marinades, and sauces. The herb's versatility makes it a great addition to your pantry!

Ingredients and variations

This lavender syrup recipe only needs a few simple ingredients.

you'll need two cups of freshly-picked or dried lavender flowers, one cup of water, and white sugar.

Sugar: You can use any sugar you like here, but I prefer cane sugar because it has a richer flavor than white sugar. You can also infuse the simple syrup with other herbs and spices if you prefer something different than lavender.

Locally grown or culinary lavender

Whether snipping some of your own lavender from an herb garden or at your local farmer's market, lavender has many culinary purposes if you know you can use it. Culinary-grade lavender can be found at specialty stores, but make sure it's okay to use in the kitchen wherever you get it.

Step-by-step instructions

To make this recipe, you'll need the following:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (white or brown)
• Three tablespoons of dried lavender buds

Add lavender buds in a jar with a tight lid. Next, add the water and allow them to sit overnight (or at least 6 hours). Heat water over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

In a small saucepan, warm infused water over low to medium heat. Once it comes to a simmer, add sugar and stir until dissolved entirely. Pour into a clean, airtight container once it's cool and then store in the fridge!

Tips for the best results

The first step is deciding the lavender's ratio to sugar and water. I use two cups of sugar for every cup of water, but you can adjust this depending on personal preference. The next step is to bloom your lavender in hot water.

Ways to use your homemade syrup

Homemade lavender soda

Add 2-3 tablespoons of simple syrup (to taste) in a collins glass filled with ice, then top off with club soda. Garnish with fresh lavender blossoms or sprigs of mint if desired! Finally, add a ¼ teaspoon of vodka or gin for an even more flavorful drink!

lavender lemonade

Lemonade is one of my favorite drinks in the summer, and adding this syrup adds a lovely floral flavor. This classic drink is updated with lavender syrup instead of plain sugar or honey. Mix lemon juice and water with ⅓ cup of lavender simple syrup to create this refreshing beverage.

Lavender coffee

Brewed coffee is just as good as this! First, brew some coffee as usual, then add one tablespoon of lavender simple syrup per 8 ounces of hot coffee.

There are lots of ways you can use lavender simple syrup, including sweetening iced tea or lemonade; adding a delicate flavor is hot coffee or tea; drizzling atop homemade ice cream; mixing into cocktails like Moscow Mules; spiking sparkling water with vodka for an easy mocktail option; using in homemade salad dressings like ranch dressing when mixed with mayonnaise; infusing baked goods such as cakes with vanilla bean seeds added directly into the batter before baking them up…the list goes on!

Storage 

Store your leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Other Simple Syrup Flavors

Making homemade syrups at home is a great way to capture the flavors of seasonal fruits and vegetables and foraged and found herbs and spices. Here are some of my favorites: 

Rhubarb syrup packs a tart and sweet punch and is my go-to for anyone who says they are not a fan of rhubarb!

For found and foraged plants, making wood sorrel or sour grass simple syrup is the perfect way to make enjoy this lemony plant easily.