How to Make Lavender Syrup - 3 Recipes and Ideas on How to Use it

We'll show you how to make lavender syrup 3 different ways!

Lavender syrup is a sweet and aromatic liquid made by infusing lavender flowers with sugar and water. It's a versatile ingredient used in culinary applications to add a delicate floral flavor and fragrance to various dishes and beverages. Here's everything you need to know about lavender syrup:

1. Flavor Profile: Lavender syrup has a distinct floral taste with subtle hints of herbaceous and citrus notes. It adds a unique and sophisticated flavor to recipes, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes.

2. Ingredients: The main ingredients in lavender syrup are culinary-grade lavender flowers, granulated sugar, and water. Some recipes may also include additional flavorings or ingredients to complement the lavender, such as lemon zest or vanilla extract.

3. Preparation: To make lavender syrup, dried or fresh lavender flowers are steeped in a simple syrup solution (equal parts sugar and water) until the desired flavor is achieved. The syrup is then strained to remove the lavender flowers, resulting in a smooth and fragrant liquid.

4. Usage: Know that you know how to make lavender syrup it can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including beverages, desserts, baked goods, and savory dishes. It's commonly used to sweeten and flavor cocktails, mocktails, teas, lemonades, and iced beverages.

5. Culinary Applications: Lavender syrup adds a delightful floral twist to a wide range of recipes. It can be drizzled over pancakes, waffles, yogurt, fruit salads, or used as a glaze for cakes, pastries, and cookies. It's also used in making lavender-flavored ice creams, sorbets, custards, and sauces.

6. Mixology: In mixology, lavender syrup is a popular ingredient for creating floral and refreshing cocktails. It pairs well with a variety of spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, and tequila. Lavender syrup can be used to make classic cocktails like lavender lemonade, lavender mojito, lavender martini, and lavender gin fizz.

7. Storage: Lavender syrup should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

8. Versatility: One of the key advantages of lavender syrup is its versatility. It can be customized and adapted to suit individual preferences and recipes by adjusting the amount of lavender used and incorporating additional flavorings or ingredients.

9. Health Benefits: While lavender syrup is primarily used for culinary purposes, lavender itself is known for its potential health benefits. Lavender has calming and relaxing properties and may help promote relaxation, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and alleviate anxiety when consumed in moderation.

lavender syrup in an open jar surrounded by lavender

How to Make Lavender Syrup - Recipe #1

Making lavender syrup is relatively simple and requires just a few ingredients. Here's a basic recipe for homemade lavender syrup:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds (or 3-4 fresh lavender sprigs)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lavender: If using fresh lavender, gently rinse the lavender sprigs under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. If using dried culinary lavender buds, no preparation is necessary.

2. Combine Water and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat.

3. Dissolve Sugar: Stir the water and sugar mixture continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, and the liquid becomes clear. This will create a simple syrup base.

4. Add Lavender: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the dried lavender buds or fresh lavender sprigs to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine.

5. Simmer: Allow the lavender and syrup mixture to simmer gently over low heat for 5-7 minutes. This will infuse the syrup with the delicate flavor and aroma of lavender.

6. Steep: After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the lavender steep in the syrup for an additional 10-15 minutes. The longer the lavender steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.

Now you know how to make lavender syrup there are no excuses not to make it. If you want to be more adventurous, have a look at two more recipes below.


How to Make Honey Lavender Syrup - Recipe #2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine water and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.

2. Add dried lavender buds to the saucepan and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let the lavender steep in the syrup for an additional 10-15 minutes.

4. Strain the syrup to remove the lavender buds.

5. Transfer the honey lavender syrup to a clean jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator.


How to make Lemon Lavender Syrup - Recipe #3

A bottle of lemon lavender syrup surrounded with lemons, half lemons and lavender

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Add dried lavender buds to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat and let the lavender steep in the syrup for an additional 10-15 minutes.

4. Strain the syrup to remove the lavender buds and lemon zest.

5. Transfer the lemon lavender syrup to a clean jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator.

What's the Difference between Lavender Sugar and Lavender Sugar?

Lavender Sugar: Lavender sugar is made by combining culinary-grade dried lavender buds with granulated sugar and allowing the mixture to infuse for a period of time. The sugar takes on the delicate flavor and aroma of lavender, making it perfect for sweetening teas, baking, or sprinkling over desserts. Lavender sugar is primarily used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer.

Lavender Syrup: Lavender syrup, on the other hand, is made by simmering lavender buds with water and sugar to create a liquid syrup infused with the flavor and aroma of lavender. It has a thicker consistency than lavender sugar and is primarily used as a flavoring agent in beverages, cocktails, desserts, and other culinary creations. Lavender syrup adds sweetness, floral notes, and a touch of elegance to a wide range of recipes.


Overall, lavender syrup is a delightful and aromatic addition to any kitchen, offering endless possibilities for culinary creativity and flavor experimentation.

Whether used in beverages, desserts, or savory dishes, learning how to make lavender syrup adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to every recipe.

Here are 25 drinks with lavender syrup for you to try out.


More Answers to your Questions. See our FAQ for more Answers

Hi! I've planted some lavender in pots and now I'm wondering if they are going to grow too big for the containers they are in. Just how big does lavender grow?

Lavender can be grown very successfully in pots, as long as you are growing varieties that are known as 'dwarf' lavender that won't grow more than 12 inches or so. We have an article entitled: How big will lavender get? that covers your concerns. Happy gardening!

Do you have a recipe for lavender sugar?

Yes, we do actually. We have a great recipe with step-by-step instructions on how to make it and how long it will store for. Have fun making it. You can find the recipe here: How to Make Lavender Sugar.

Is Lavender Easy to Grow?

Luckily, the answer is yes, it is! It is one of those plants that you can pretty much neglect in your garden and it will bloom year after year. Lavender is easy to grow but there are some conditions that should be met to make your lavender growing success.