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This lavender simple syrup is a quick and easy recipe made with just three ingredients, including dried lavender. Sweet and floral, it’s the perfect way to make coffee, tea, cocktails, lemonade, and even desserts feel like a special occasion. Once you learn how to make lavender simple syrup at home, you’ll always want a jar on hand.

I’m not a fancy person. If you visit my home at any given time, you’re likely to see a dog that’s rolled in something deplorable, a chicken on the porch, and wild babies with all manner of peanut butter and crayon smeared joyfully across their faces.

It’s a rich life, but not a fancy one.

That doesn’t mean I don’t hunt for (and savor) little pieces of indulgence to make my day-to-day life feel a little more beautiful, even if it’ll never be fancy.

Enter: Lavender Simple Syrup.

Lavender is one of those beautiful flowers that makes everything feel like a garden party.

I’ve never actually been to a garden party (nobody has ever invited me to one, maybe because of my peanut butter smeared babies). Still, I imagine lavender goods are served on fine china and lace doilies.

If you’re in the same non-fancy boat as I am, missing out on garden parties and fine china, not to worry. We’re about to make our own beautiful, floral simple syrup, stir it into all kinds of goodies, and pretend we’re having a garden party with the non-fancy people we spend our lives with. Everyone is invited (even my porch-dwelling chicken).

What Is Lavender Simple Syrup?

Lavender simple syrup is a sweet, floral-infused syrup made by steeping dried lavender in a classic sugar and water base. It’s a quick and versatile recipe that transforms everyday drinks and desserts into something special. Something fancy. From lattes and lemonade to cocktails and cakes, this homemade syrup adds a delicate, aromatic flavor that feels both refreshing and elegant. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to make and keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it anytime!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this syrup recipe, you only need a few pantry staples:

• Water – the base of the syrup.
• Sugar – granulated sugar works best for a smooth, sweet syrup.
• Dried lavender – Use culinary-grade lavender like Anthony’s for safe, flavorful results. Using dried lavender instead of fresh yields a consistent, less bitter flavor and a longer shelf life.
• (Optional) Extras – like vanilla bean, honey, or a strip of lemon peel to add depth and variation.

How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup

Making your own floral syrup is incredibly simple, and you will feel so accomplished when you serve it to your friends! Follow these simple steps to create a something that will make your favorite drinks and desserts feel a little more special:

1. Combine water and sugar: In a small saucepan, pour in the water and add the sugar. Stir to combine.

2. Heat until dissolved: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. The mixture should be clear and slightly thickened.

3. Add dried lavender: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dried lavender. This is where the syrup gets its delicate, floral aroma and golden color.

4. Steep and cool: Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger lavender flavor.

5. Strain the syrup: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the lavender buds.

6. Store and enjoy: Keep your syrup refrigerated for up to 2–3 weeks. Use it to sweeten coffee, tea, lemonade, cocktails, or drizzle over desserts for a touch of homemade elegance.

Tips for Success

• Choose culinary-grade dried lavender: Not all lavender is edible. Make sure you use lavender labeled for cooking to avoid bitterness.
• Adjust steeping time: Steep for 20–30 minutes for a mild flavor, or longer for a stronger, more aromatic syrup.
• Control sweetness: You can adjust the sugar amount to make the syrup sweeter or lighter, depending on your taste.
• Add flavor variations: Try adding a vanilla bean, lemon peel, or a touch of honey to customize your syrup.
• Store properly: Keep the syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks.

Ways to Use Lavender Simple Syrup

• Coffee & Lattes: Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee or a homemade latte for a floral twist.
• Cocktails & Mocktails: Perfect for gin fizz, lemonade spritzers, lavender mojitos, or any mocktail that needs a subtle sweetness.
• Desserts: Drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or cakes for a delicate floral flavor.
• Tea & Lemonade: Add to iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing, aromatic summer drink.
• Baking & Frosting: Mix into whipped cream, frosting, or baked goods for a hint of lavender.

FAQs

Can you freeze lavender simple syrup?

Yes! You can freeze your syrup to extend its shelf life. Pour it into an airtight container or ice cube tray and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using, and give it a gentle shake or stir as it may separate slightly.

What does lavender simple syrup taste like?

This floral syrup has a sweet, floral flavor with subtle herbal notes from the dried lavender. It’s fragrant but not overpowering, making it perfect for drinks, desserts, and even baked goods.

Why is my lavender simple syrup green?

A green tint usually comes from over-steeping the lavender or using too much. Culinary-grade dried lavender can release chlorophyll if left in the hot syrup too long. To avoid this, steep for 20–30 minutes and strain thoroughly.

Why is my simple syrup bitter?

Bitterness can happen if you over-steep the lavender or use lavender that isn’t labeled for culinary use. Decorative or fresh lavender can produce a soapy or bitter taste. Always use culinary-grade lavender and monitor steeping time.

Where to buy lavender simple syrup?

You can find pre-made syrup at specialty grocery stores, gourmet food shops, or online retailers like Amazon. However, making it at home is quick, easy, and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor.

Lavender Simple Syrup (Quick & Easy Recipe)

This lavender simple syrup recipe is made with sugar, water, and dried lavender for a sweet, floral syrup that’s perfect in coffee, tea, lemonade, cocktails, and desserts. Quick to make and easy to store, it adds a touch of homemade elegance to any drink or treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Cool Time 1 hour hr

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Equipment

• 1 small sauce pan

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp dried lavender, culinary grade

Instructions

 

• In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
• Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Remove from heat and stir in the dried lavender.
• Let the mixture steep as it cools to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes, or longer for stronger flavor).
• Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the lavender buds.
• Store the lavender simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks.

Keyword dried lavender, Lavender simple syrup

Final Thoughts

Making your own syrup with lavender is so simple, you’ll never go back to store-bought! With just sugar, water, and dried lavender, you can create a versatile recipe that makes your everyday drinks and desserts into something special. Whether you’re adding a splash to your morning latte, shaking up a mocktail, or drizzling it over baked goods, this homemade syrup brings a touch of elegance and floral flavor to every sip or bite. Try it once, and you’ll always want a jar in your fridge.

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