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One way to incorporate the delicate and aromatic flavor of lavender into your cooking or baking is by making this lavender simple syrup recipe. With using just the right amount of a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll have a delicious syrup that you can use in a variety of ways.
This easy recipe can be made all year round, but is especially tasty during summer months when it's lavender season!
Be sure to check out my other recipes using lavender, like lavender cookies and this lavender latte!
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is often associated with relaxation and calmness.
The scent of lavender is soothing and calming, making it a popular ingredient in many products such as candles, lotions and essential oils.
But did you know, you can eat lavender too? Just as the scent calms you, consuming lavender can also be very calming and even help with anxiety.
One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of lavender is by making your own simple syrup.
Simple syrup is a staple ingredient in many cocktails, teas, desserts, and mocktails. In this post, I will show you how to make a homemade lavender simple syrup that is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and flavor to your favorite recipes.
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What Does Lavender Syrup Taste Like?
Lavender syrup has the most lovely taste - when made correctly it does not taste like perfume (I promise!)
The taste of lavender simple syrup is lightly sweet with subtle floral notes that's unmistakably lavender. The syrup's sweetness offsets the herb's subtle minty notes, presenting a balanced taste profile.
Its aroma mirrors its flavor - fragrant and soothing, reminiscent of a vibrant field of lavender in full bloom.
I take the average lavender simple syrup recipe further by steeping in a bit of lemon peel for a well rounded, fresh taste.
Ways to Use Lavender Simple Syrup
There are loads of ways to use lavender syrup!
My favorite of all cold drinks to make with it is lemonade. It's also a key ingredient for my favorite lavender latte (tastes better than any local coffee shop!)
Add a splash of lavender simple syrup to your morning cup of hot tea or iced tea for a floral twist.
For cocktails, lavender pairs well with gin, vodka, and bourbon. Try to add lavender syrup to your favorite cocktail for a unique twist. Another great way to enjoy lavender syrup is with plain carbonated water. Mix in a few spoonfuls of lavender simple syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing and floral soda! (also one of my favorite drinks!)
In other desserts, drizzle lavender simple syrup over vanilla ice cream or use it as a sweetener in baked goods like cakes and muffins (try using it in an icing over lemon cake!)
The syrup's distinct taste adds complexity and a creative twist to dishes, making it a delightful addition to everything from lavender lemonade, mocktails, coffee, cold brew, iced tea, ice cream and more!
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
This recipe follows the standard simple syrup ratio. 1 part water to 1 part sugar. We're just adding some additional flavor!
Before we get started, let me tell you that making lavender simple syrup is easy and requires only a few ingredients. Here are some items you will need:
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar/white sugar (cane sugar can also be used)
- Water
- Dried culinary grade lavender, lavender blossoms only
- Lemon peel (optional)
Instructions
Start by combining the sugar, water, and dried lavender in a small saucepan or medium saucepan. Over low heat, simmer the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar doesn't burn.
As soon as the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat, toss in the lemon peel and let it steep for 10 minutes.
The longer you let the mixture steep, the stronger the lavender flavor will be.
After the time is up, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the lavender and lemon peel.
Allow the syrup to cool.
That's it! Your homemade lavender simple syrup is now ready to use. This syrup can be stored in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Tips for Making Lavender Simple Syrup:
Be sure to only use culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for cooking and baking, rather than lavender from the garden.
Use dried lavender buds rather than fresh. Fresh lavender contains more water, which can make your syrup cloudy and reduce its shelf life. In my opinion, it's best to avoid using fresh lavender blossoms.
Adjust the amount of lavender used to your preference. Some people may find the flavor too strong with 3 tablespoons stronger lavender flavor while others may want to increase it to 4 tablespoons or more.
Be patient! Letting the syrup simmer for at least 10 minutes will give it enough flavor for a moderately strong lavender flavor.
No need to use any food coloring such as purple or blue liquid food coloring. The color of the finished lavender syrup should look like a very soft purple color, maybe even slightly on the brown side. It will likely not be bright purple.
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Finding Edible Lavender
Not all lavender is edible and it's important to know the difference, especially if you plan on using homegrown lavender.
There are over 450 types of lavender species. Predominantly, English lavender and French lavender are the most common types.
English lavender is typically used in cooking due to its sweet fragrance, making it the ideal choice for our lavender simple syrup.
On the other hand, French lavender, while visually appealing with its fuzzy, pineapple-shaped blooms, is not recommended for culinary use as it has a strong and somewhat bitter taste. French lavender is used for scents and perfume oils.
Before using any lavender in your recipes, it's crucial to ensure that it is a culinary grade and has not been treated with any potentially harmful chemicals or pesticides. You don't want any of that in your lavender simple syrup!
I picked up my culinary grade lavender when I visited Lavender By The Bay during a recent trip out to the Hamptons. You can also shop on their website or anywhere that sells culinary lavender.
Recipe Substitutions
There are very few ingredients in this recipe so there shouldn't be a lot of swapping going on, but I do want to warn that some of them cannot be swapped.
- I've seen a lot of people ask about using coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for the simple syrup. Coconut sugar dissolved in simple syrup will produce a dark, caramel-like syrup, which will overpower the lavender flavor.
- Do not use liquid sweetener. You won't end up with a nice syrup and it can affect the delicate taste of the lavender.
Variations
Due to the limited ingredient list, there's not too much to change with this recipe! But you can definitely experiment with adding additional flavors, such as other herbs.
You can add rosemary or basil for a unique spin on this recipe. Both would be very refreshing with the taste of the lavender.
How to Store Your Lavender Syrup
Storing your fresh batch of lavender simple syrup is easy.
I like to use a bottle like this, with a strong seal on the cap.
You can also use a large mason jar.
How Long Does Lavender Syrup Last In The Fridge?
It will last almost up to a month - I would recommend no more than 3 weeks for optimal freshness.
Do You Have To Refrigerate Lavender Syrup After Opening?
Yes, be sure to store it in the fridge after you make this recipe.
FAQ
Why Is My Lavender Syrup Bitter?
It was steeped for too long or the heat was too high. Be sure to cook the simple syrup on a gentle, low heat and not to allow it to steep for more than 10 minutes!
Does Homemade Lavender Syrup Go Bad?
Yes, homemade simple syrup can go bad. It's important to store your lavender simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Can You Freeze Lavender Simple Syrup?
Yes! This is a great alternative to the shorter shelf life in the fridge. Turn the syrup into ice cubes and take out as much as you need.
Does Lavender Syrup Have Actual Lavender?
Yes! This recipe uses actual, dried lavender buds. Just be sure to use food grade or culinary grade lavender buds. Don't use anything made for fragrance, do not use essential oils or any similar substitutes.
Is Lavender Syrup Calming?
Yes! Consuming lavender syrup is very calming and gives you a lot of the same effects as smelling lavender.
Related Recipes
These are my favorite dishes to serve with lavender simple syrup.
- Lavender Cookies
- Lavender Latte
- Lemon Ricotta Cake
Making your own lavender simple syrup at home is an easy and fun way to add a unique flavor to your dishes and drinks. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can have a delicious syrup that is versatile and can be used in many ways!
I hope you use this recipe to experiment with different ways to enjoy the delicate, floral flavor of lavender in your favorite foods and beverages.
Print
Lavender Simple Syrup
One way to incorporate the delicate and aromatic flavor of lavender into your cooking or baking is by making this lavender simple syrup recipe. With using just the right amount of a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience, you'll have a delicious syrup that you can use in a variety of ways!
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp dried lavender buds (culinary grade)
- Lemon peel (1 slice of peel using about ¼ of a medium lemon, all pith removed) - optional
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, water, and dried lavender in a small saucepan or medium saucepan.
- Over low heat, simmer the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar doesn't burn.
- As soon as the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat, toss in the lemon peel if using, and set a timer for 10 minutes.
- After the time is up, strain out the lavender and lemon through a fine mesh strainer.
- Allow the syrup to cool and pour into a sealable bottle or mason jar.
- This syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Notes
Recipe by Owlbbaking.com
- Prep Time: 5
- Rest Time/Steep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Simple Syrup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Tbsp
- Calories: 32
- Sugar: 8.3 g
- Sodium: 0.5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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