This Lavender Simple Syrup is floral, sweet, and so easy to make. It's perfect for warm or cold drinks such as coffee, cocktails or mocktails, and lemonades, and can be made in large or small quantities.
Jump to:
Why this works
- A long steeping time means less active time, which means it's easy to make.
- Dried culinary-grade lavender is more potent than fresh lavender, yielding a stronger lavender flavor.
How to make it
In short, simmer the lavender, sugar, and water, then remove from heat and steep for 2 hours. The recipe card at the bottom has full instructions and quantities.
Tip: For a stronger lavender flavor, double the amount of lavender. You can also steep the lavender syrup overnight.
Stir in the lavender after adding it to the water and sugar, as it will naturally float on top.
Bring the sugar, water, and lavender to a gentle simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, turn off the heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the syrup steep for 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
Ingredient Notes:
Dried Lavender: It is important to use culinary-grade lavender, as lavender produced or intended for other uses may have been chemically treated.
Dried lavender can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. Spice stores, such as Penzys, also sell it.
If you're buying it online, search for cooking or culinary-grade lavender, and buy something that comes in a foil or paper bag or glass jar. Lavender stored in clear plastic packaging loses flavor and, therefore, consistent quality fast.
Granulated Sugar: Plain granulated sugar is recommended due to its consistent results.
The lavender flavor is strong enough that brown sugar is a suitable alternative if you increase the amount of lavender. Monkfruit, stevia, or alternative sweeteners are not ideal for this, and I recommend against them as the consistency (which is often important for drinks) and sweetness level will vary dramatically.
Related: SIMPLE SYRUPS FOR DRINKS: THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where to use lavender simple syrup
Lavender simple syrup can be added to many warm and cold drinks. It's great in cold drinks, such as mocktails or cocktails, lemonades, and warm drinks, such as coffee or moon milk.
Related: Lavender Lemonade, Rose Lemonade, Sparkling Rose Lemonade
Lavender pairs well with cream, berries, peaches, and honey.
It can be used on top of ice cream or used to sweeten coffee or moon milk.
I also recommend mixing equal parts heavy cream and lavender simple syrup, lightly whipped together, and poured over fresh raspberries.
Related - If you're interested in simple syrups with a stronger flavor, I recommend the following:
- Rose Simple Syrup
- Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Sage Simple Syrup
- Ginger Simple Syrup
- Hibiscus Simple Syrup
- Lemongrass Simple Syrup
Related Recipe: Easy Lavender Lemonade
Equipment
Small saucepan
Fine wire-mesh strainer
Storage bottle
Related: Check out the Tools and Tips for Simple Syrups article for product recommendations and explanations.
Tips
If you want a more intense lavender-flavored syrup, use twice the amount of lavender the recipe calls for, but keep the amount of final liquid and sugar the same.
Note: It will have a very strong lavender flavor if you double the amount of dried lavender, so make a test drink or two before serving it to guests.
Transfer the syrup to a storage bottle using a funnel. It's worth doing this in your sink to avoid sticky spills.
Hosting Tips
If you're serving warm drinks after dinner, such as coffee or tea, offering flavored syrups, such as lavender syrup, ginger syrup, or cardamom simple syrup, is a nice touch that lets guests control how sweet their drink is.
Cheers!
Susan
FAQ
A lavender simple syrup can become bitter when the lavender is old or has been left in the syrup for an extended period of time. To avoid this, avoid steeping the lavender for longer than 12 hours.
Homemade lavender simple syrup should NOT be purple; rather, it should have a faint yellow or green hue. Sometimes, it's a light periwinkle color. If you want the syrup to be purple, a drop of blue or purple food coloring or food dye is required.
Lavender simple syrup should be kept for about two weeks if kept cold. So, be sure to keep the syrup in the fridge when not in use.
📖 Recipe
Lavender Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Storage bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried Lavender flowers cooking or culinary grade lavender
Instructions
- Make the syrupIn a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water, and lavender to a gentle simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, turn off the heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- SteepRemove from the heat, and let the syrup steep for 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Strain and StoreAfter steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Sarah
I mixed this with an almond milk latte and it was a perfect pair!
Susan @ The James Street Home
Oh nice! That sounds heavenly.
Ginny
I doubled the amount of lavender for an extra strong flavor and received so many compliments on the drink.