Lavender Simple Syrup

Lavender simple syrup is a flavorful way to add a subtle, floral sweetness to mocktails, lemonade, iced tea, and other drinks. It’s quick and easy to make at home with only three ingredients—sugar, water, and dried culinary lavender buds—and you’ll have it ready in less than 30 minutes. If you’re looking to bring something fresh and different to your drinks, this syrup is perfect.

Why You’ll Love Lavender Simple Syrup

Quick and easy: The syrup takes less than half an hour to prepare and tastes fresher and cleaner than store-bought syrups, which can contain artificial ingredients.

Balanced flavor: Lavender syrup has a pleasant floral taste that’s subtle, not overwhelming or perfume-like. It blends beautifully with many flavors like citrus, berries, vanilla, and herbs.

Versatile uses: Add this syrup to mocktails, lemonade, and iced teas. You can also drizzle it over ice cream, yogurt, or fresh fruit.

Year-round enjoyment: Lavender syrup tastes excellent in spring and summer beverages, adding a refreshing twist to iced drinks, and it’s equally delightful in hot teas and lattes during colder months.

Ingredients for Lavender Simple Syrup

Here’s what you’ll need to make lavender syrup at home:

Granulated sugar:

White granulated sugar works best for lavender simple syrup. Its neutral taste won’t overpower the delicate flavor of lavender.

Water:

When heated, the water dissolves the sugar and creates a smooth syrup.

Dried Culinary Lavender:

Always use culinary-grade lavender. Other kinds may contain chemicals or pesticides and aren’t safe to eat.

How to Buy Lavender

Choosing the right lavender is important. Here’s what to know when shopping:

Culinary Grade: Buy lavender labeled “culinary-grade,” specifically for cooking or beverages. Avoid buying dried lavender labeled for crafts or fragrances. It is often treated with pesticides or preservatives.

Best Variety: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has the best flavor for cooking. It tastes milder and sweeter, while other varieties, like French lavender, often have stronger, medicinal flavors.

Where to Find Dried Lavender Buds: 

You can buy culinary lavender online, at specialty grocery stores, health food stores, or spice markets.

Proper Storage:

Store dried lavender buds in a sealed container in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry. Properly stored lavender will retain its flavor for about one year.

Tips for Making Lavender Simple Syrup

Don’t Boil the Lavender:

Add the lavender buds to the syrup after removing the pan from the heat. This gently infuses the floral flavor without bitterness.

Steep for 20 minutes:

This gives the syrup flavor without any bitter aftertaste. Steeping too long can make the syrup taste medicinal. If you want a more pungent lavender taste, slightly increase the amount of dried lavender buds you add.

Straining your syrup:

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all dried buds. Straining gives the syrup a smooth texture and clear appearance.

Storage advice:

Keep lavender simple syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to two weeks. Discard the syrup if it turns cloudy or has an “off” smell.

How to Use Lavender Simple Syrup

Lavender syrup is delicious in many types of drinks. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

Mocktails:

• Add lavender syrup to lemonade or limeade for an easy, flavorful twist.
• Mix it with club soda and fresh lemon juice to create a sparkling lavender soda.
• Pair it with berries—especially blueberries or strawberries—in fruit-based mocktails for a unique flavor combination.

Teas and Coffee:

• Stir lavender syrup into chamomile, Earl Grey, or iced green tea to enhance their flavors.
• Use lavender syrup in a latte for a subtle floral coffee drink. 

Desserts and Sweets:

• Drizzle lavender syrup over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
• Use it to lightly sweeten fresh fruit salads, especially berries or peaches.
• Add a touch of syrup over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for an unusual and delicious breakfast treat.

More Flavored Syrups to Try

If you enjoyed making lavender simple syrup, try these other flavored syrups next:

Strawberry Simple Syrup: Adds a sweet and fruity flavor to lemonades and mocktails. 

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Adds an earthy herbal flavor to sparkling or citrus-based drinks.

Try This Lavender Simple Syrup

Lavender simple syrup is an easy and flavorful way to add a sweet floral flavor to your favorite drinks. Use it to create a Lavender Lemon Spritz or a Lavender Lemonade, or add it to iced tea. If you make this syrup, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it. Leave a comment and let me know your favorite way to use it!