Recipes and DIY

How to Make Lavender Syrup: A Simple, Floral Recipe

Learn how to make lavender syrup at home with this easy recipe. Just a few ingredients and steps for a delightful floral syrup to elevate drinks and desserts.

Scott Baker

May 21, 2024 — 5 min read

Lavender syrup. It's like a little bottle of liquid sunshine, isn't it? A few drops can transform a boring old lemonade into a fancy, Instagram-worthy concoction. And let me tell you, making your own lavender syrup at home is a total game-changer.

I used to think lavender was just for soap and sachets, but boy, was I wrong. Turns out, this pretty purple flower is the secret ingredient my drinks have been missing all along. And the best part? It's so darn easy to make.

What is Lavender Syrup?

Lavender syrup is a delightful concoction that will transport your taste buds to a fragrant field of purple blooms. It's a simple syrup infused with the essence of lavender, creating a sweet and floral flavor that's perfect for elevating your favorite drinks and recipes.

Lavender Simple Syrup vs. Lavender Syrup

Let's clear up any confusion - lavender simple syrup and lavender syrup are the same thing. It's a liquid sweetener that's been infused with lavender flavor. So whether you call it lavender simple syrup or lavender syrup, you're talking about the same delicious ingredient.

Lavender Syrup Uses

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using lavender syrup. It's incredibly versatile and can add a unique floral twist to a wide variety of drinks. I love using it to make a refreshing lavender lemonade on a hot summer day. It's also fantastic in cocktails, mocktails, teas, and coffees. You can even drizzle it over desserts like ice cream or baked goods for a special touch.

Lavender Syrup Flavor Profile

If you've never tasted lavender syrup before, you're in for a treat. It has a distinctive floral aroma and flavor, with subtle sweet and slightly herbaceous notes. The key is to use it sparingly, as too much can make your drink or dish taste soapy or perfume-like. When used correctly, it adds a lovely aromatic floral essence that's sure to impress.

Ingredients for Lavender Syrup

One of the best things about making lavender syrup is how simple it is. You only need 3 ingredients:

Granulated white sugar (organic cane sugar works great)
Water (filtered is best)
Dried lavender buds

Dried vs. Fresh Lavender

While you can use either dried or fresh lavender to make lavender syrup, I recommend using dried culinary grade lavender buds. They provide a more concentrated flavor and are easier to strain out of the finished syrup. Fresh lavender flowers can be used, but you may need to use more and steep them longer to get a noticeable lavender flavor.

Sugar Alternatives

I typically make my lavender syrup with regular granulated white sugar, but you can absolutely experiment with other sweeteners. Honey, agave, or even artificial sweeteners can be used if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners like honey may require some adjustments to the water ratio.

Water

For the best tasting lavender syrup, I suggest using filtered water. It ensures a clean lavender flavor without any off-putting tastes that can come from tap water impurities. But if you don't have filtered water, tap will work just fine in a pinch.

How to Make Lavender Syrup

Ready to make your own lavender syrup? Here's how easy it is:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine 1 cup water and 2 tbsp dried lavender in a saucepan 2. Bring to a light simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes 3. Stir in 1 cup sugar until fully dissolved 4. Remove from heat and let steep for 20-30 minutes 5. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a glass jar 6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month

Cooling and Straining

After simmering your lavender syrup, it's important to let it cool completely to room temperature. This allows the lavender flavor to fully infuse into the syrup. I usually let mine sit for about an hour. Then, pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove all the little lavender buds and any residual particles.

Storing Lavender Syrup

Your beautiful lavender syrup should be stored in an airtight container, like a glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid. Always refrigerate it and it will keep well for up to a month. I like to label mine with the date I made it so I know when to use it by. If you notice any off smells or visible mold, it's best to toss it and make a fresh batch.

Lavender Syrup Variations

While lavender syrup is delicious on its own, it's also fun to get creative and mix it up. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

Lavender Honey Syrup

For a natural, floral sweetness, try making lavender honey syrup. Simply combine equal parts honey and water in a saucepan, add dried lavender buds, and heat until the honey is dissolved. Let steep, then strain out the lavender for a delicious honey-kissed lavender syrup. So good drizzled in tea or over biscuits.

Lavender Lemon Syrup

Lavender and lemon are a match made in heaven. Make a lemon lavender syrup by adding lemon zest to the sugar and water before heating. Proceed with the recipe as usual, straining out the lavender and lemon zest together at the end. The bright citrus is so lovely with the floral notes of lavender.

Lavender Rosemary Syrup

For an unexpected savory twist, try infusing your lavender syrup with a sprig of fresh rosemary. The woodsy, herbaceous flavor of the rosemary adds an intriguing depth to the floral lavender. It's fantastic in cocktails like a gin fizz or vodka spritzer.

Using Lavender Syrup in Drinks

Now comes the fun part - using your lavender syrup to make all sorts of delicious drinks. It pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors like lemon, berries, herbs, and more. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

Lavender Latte

Bring the coffee shop to your kitchen with a homemade lavender latte. Prepare a shot of espresso or strongly brewed coffee, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of lavender syrup, and top with steamed milk. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few dried lavender buds on top.

Lavender Cocktails

Lavender syrup can add a lovely floral note to all kinds of cocktails. It's especially delicious with gin, vodka, tequila, or sparkling wine. Try it in a lavender French 75, lavender bee's knees, or lavender margarita. The possibilities are endless.

Lavender Lemonade

Nothing beats a cold glass of lavender lemonade on a hot day. Mix up a pitcher of your favorite lemonade recipe and stir in lavender syrup to taste. I like to garnish mine with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh lavender for a pretty presentation.

Lavender Soda

For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, mix lavender syrup with seltzer water or club soda over ice. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice if you like. It's a lovely way to enjoy the flavor of lavender in a bubbly, thirst-quenching drink.

Key Takeaway:

Lavender syrup, a sweet and floral delight, is perfect for jazzing up drinks and desserts. Making it is a breeze with just water, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Use it in everything from lemonade to lattes or get creative with honey or rosemary variations. Remember: use filtered water for the purest taste and store your syrup in the fridge.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friend. Your very own bottle of homemade lavender syrup, ready to jazz up all your favorite drinks and desserts. Wasn't that a breeze?

Lavender syrup is a breeze to make, and the results are simply divine. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a floral elixir that'll add a touch of sophistication to your culinary creations, making your taste buds swoon with every bite.

So go ahead, drizzle it in your lemonade, stir it into cocktails, or even brush it on cakes and pastries. The possibilities are endless when you know how to make lavender syrup. Trust me, your friends and family will be seriously impressed.