Lavender Simple Syrup is an easy way to add sweetness and bright floral notes to drinks and desserts. With just lavender flowers, a sweetener, and water, you can make an herbal syrup that lifts cocktails and elevates everyday beverages like coffee, tea, or lemonade.
Homemade lavender syrup takes on a lovely deep purple hue and brings a fresh, herb-forward brightness to summer drinks or any time you want a little floral flair. Most of the time is passive steeping: the syrup can be ready in about an hour and keeps up to two weeks refrigerated in an airtight container.
This syrup is a simple swap wherever you would use sugar or a flavored drizzle. The added sweetness moderates any overly perfumed notes from the flowers, leaving a balanced, subtly minty, citrus-tinged lavender flavor. Bottled attractively, it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Lavender Syrup Ingredients
- Dried lavender flowers: Dried buds have a more concentrated flavor than fresh. If using fresh lavender, strip off stems and use only the buds; expect a milder taste.
- Water: Needed to steep the lavender and dissolve the sweetener into a smooth syrup.
- Sweetener: White granulated sugar creates a clear, classic syrup. Honey adds warm floral notes; brown or coconut sugar will impart deeper, more caramel- or coconut-like flavors. Use stevia for a low-calorie option but reduce the amount because it is much sweeter.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
1. In a saucepan, combine the dried lavender flowers and water. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to combine.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to extract the aroma and flavor.
3. Add the sugar (or honey) and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture steep for 1 hour to deepen the lavender flavor.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the lavender buds.
6. Pour the strained syrup into a clean container, let cool completely, then refrigerate. Use as needed.
How to Choose the Sweetener
White granulated sugar gives a neutral, clean sweetness and highlights the lavender. Brown sugar adds caramel and molasses notes that pair well with coffee or darker cocktails. Coconut sugar will contribute a mild coconut flavor. Honey complements lavender beautifully but will give the syrup a distinct honey character—avoid it if you want a purely floral profile. Stevia or other non-caloric sweeteners work but use less since they are more concentrated.
What Lavender Syrup Tastes Like
Lavender syrup combines floral lavender notes with the familiar sweetness of simple syrup. Lavender belongs to the mint family, so the flavor can include light minty and citrusy accents along with gentle earthiness. The sweetener balances and softens any strong floral tones, leaving a pleasant, aromatic syrup that enhances drinks and desserts without overpowering them.
How Long Does Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks. Always check for off smells or cloudiness before using.
How to Make Lavender Coffee
Use this lavender syrup in coffee the same way you would any liquid sweetener. For a refreshing option, try an Iced Lavender Latte: add ice to a glass, pour in the desired amount of lavender syrup, add a shot of espresso, top with milk, and stir. Adjust syrup to taste for a subtle or more pronounced floral note.
Ways to Use Lavender Syrup
Lavender syrup is versatile: add it to cocktails, coffee, and tea; make lavender lemonade or an Italian soda by mixing with sparkling water; brush it onto unfrosted cakes to add moisture (especially vanilla or lemon cakes); or drizzle it over waffles, pancakes, or ice cream for a fragrant finish.
How to Make Flavored Lavender Syrup
You can infuse the syrup with one or two complementary flavors—rosemary and citrus zest pair particularly well with lavender. Keep the total amount of additional herbs or zest to about one cup to maintain balance with the lavender.
Where to Buy Lavender Simple Syrup
If you prefer a store-bought option, many specialty syrup brands offer lavender syrups that are widely available from coffee and cocktail supply retailers.
If You Like This Recipe Try These
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Grenadine Syrup -
Peach Compote
I hope you enjoy this lavender syrup. If you try the recipe, leave a comment to share how it turned out.
Lavender Syrup Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers (use more for a stronger flavor or less for a milder taste)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar (or honey)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add dried lavender flowers and water. Bring to a boil while stirring.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the sugar or honey and stir until fully dissolved.
- Turn off heat and let the mixture steep for 1 hour.
- Strain the syrup through a fine strainer to remove the lavender buds.
- Pour into a container, cool completely, cover, and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a deeper purple color, add butterfly pea flowers in addition to the lavender.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 4 g |
Protein: 1 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and preparation.
