Lavender Simple Syrup

Lavender simple syrup is an easy way to add sweet, aromatic, and floral flavors to lemonades, lattes, cakes, sorbets, and more! Try making your own in under 30 minutes with just 3 inexpensive ingredients.

What is simple syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water. That’s really all there is to it — hence its simple name!

Traditionally, simple syrup is made with a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. However, the sweetness level can be adjusted with a 2:1 water to sugar or a 2:1 sugar to water ratio (and everything in between). 

Simple syrup is mainly used to sweeten both hot and cold drinks, helping to evenly disperse the sugar throughout. That means no more undissolved granulated sugar hanging around the bottom of your glass!

Why add lavender?

Although lavender has been used in cooking and medicine for centuries, it’s becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in trendy coffee shops and cocktail bars. Not only is it used for the beautiful purple hue, but it’s also adored for the clean, elegant, and floral notes it delivers.

From iced lavender lattes and lavender lemonades to lavender martinis and other craft cocktails, this flower is making a name for itself!

Fresh vs Dried Lavender

Both fresh and dried lavender blossoms work to make lavender simple syrup. Dried lavender buds are usually the easiest to find. They also last for up to a year in a cool, dry place.

Typically, I keep mine in the spice drawer. If you’re using fresh lavender, just add the flowers and not the sprigs. You also want to look for buds that are purple but not quite blooming.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Lavender flower buds: Both fresh and dried flowers can be used for this lavender simple syrup recipe — whichever is available to you!
• Sugar: I prefer to use cane sugar, but any granulated sugar will work. Just make sure to check it’s vegan-friendly! 
• Water: For the best simple syrup flavor, use filtered water.

How to make Lavender Syrup

• Step 1: In a small saucepan, bring the lavender blossoms, water, and sugar to a simmer while stirring frequently. Once the sugar dissolves, remove the syrup from the heat. Note: Do not wait for it to boil.

• Step 2: Let the lavender simple syrup steep for about 15 minutes while it’s cooling.

• Step 3: Transfer it to a mason jar, pouring the syrup through a mesh strainer to remove the lavender buds. Refrigerate and use as needed.

How To Use Lavender Simple Syrup 

Once you’ve created a delicious lavender simple syrup, try adding it to recipes like these:

• Hot or iced lavender lattes
• Lavender cocktails like lavender-flavored martinis, Tom Collins, and Bee’s Knees
• Lavender-infused lemonades, iced teas, or soda waters
• Cakes, muffins, shortbread cookies, or other pastries
• Sorbets, vegan ice creams, granitas, and shaved ice treats
• Whipped lavender coconut cream or lavender frosting
• Lavender-infused chocolates

Storage

Keep your lavender simple syrup recipe fresh by following these quick and easy storage instructions:

• Fridge: Lavender simple syrup should be good in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but always check for spoilage before use. Airtight mason jars are my preferred choice as they preserve the best flavor.
• Freezer: This syrup can be frozen in an airtight container for up to several months. Remember to leave plenty of room at the top of the jar for expansion.
• Room temperature: Lavender simple syrup can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, but it’s best to keep it in the fridge.

Variations

• Simple: Instead of lavender simple syrup, try making a regular simple syrup without any flavor infusions.
• Different flavors: Try infusing other aromatic flavors like cinnamon, mint, ginger, rosemary, basil, elderflower, or lemongrass in place of lavender.
• Other sugars: Instead of regular granulated sugar, try turbinado sugar, demerara sugar, coconut sugar, or muscovado sugar.
• Extra sweet: For an extra sweet version, use a ratio of 2:1 sugar to water.

Top Tips

• Choose culinary lavender. For the best-tasting (and safest) recipe, look for culinary-grade lavender buds at the store. If you are using Farmer’s Market or homegrown lavender, check to make sure it hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.
• Add more color. If you want a vibrant purple-blue simple syrup, opt for Ultra-Blue Lavender Buds from France.
• Don’t let it boil. To avoid a burnt or bitter flavor, remove the lavender simple syrup from heat before it boils.

FAQ

Delicious Drink Recipes

If you’re thirsty for a flavorful drink, try some of my most popular recipes:

• Vietnamese plum soda: Perfectly sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
• Vegan strawberry protein shake: A healthy, fresh, and flavorful breakfast smoothie.
• Tropical mango smoothie: 5-ingredient mango smoothie topped with granola and whipped cream. 
• Pumpkin spice protein shake: Protein-packed shake that tastes just like pumpkin pie!