This delicious lavender simple syrup is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
It makes for a fantastic floral addition to coffees, cocktails, mocktails, and a variety of other recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of dried culinary-grade lavender buds
You can either use fresh lavender or use already dried buds like these. Just me sure to always use culinary-grade lavender so it is safe for consumption.
Instructions
Step 1
In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 2
Once the sugar has completely dissolved with the water, bring the mixture to a simmer and add the dried lavender buds.
Step 3
Let the mixture simmer on the stove for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from the heat and place the saucepan on a heat-safe surface.
The lavender buds may stick to your spoon or spatula while stirring so just gently tap them off on the edge of the saucepan.
Step 4
Place a cover on the saucepan and let the lavender steep in the syrup for 15 minutes.
You can let the lavender steep for 5-10 minutes longer if you want a stronger lavender flavor.
Step 5
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the lavender buds.
Step 6
Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then store in a bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Making Lavender Simple Syrup Purple
To deepen the purple color of your lavender simple syrup, consider adding dried butterfly pea flowers. These flowers are known for their vibrant blue hue, which turns a rich purple when combined with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice.
Simply add a small handful of dried butterfly pea flowers to the syrup mixture while it’s simmering with the lavender. After straining, you’ll have a beautifully vibrant purple syrup that adds a unique touch to your drinks or desserts.
Uses for Lavender Simple Syrup
Lavender simple syrup is incredibly versatile and can be used to add a fragrant, floral twist to a variety of drinks and dishes. Here are a few ideas for pairing:
- Cocktails: Lavender syrup works beautifully in cocktails such as gin and tonic or martinis. It also pairs well with other botanicals like thyme or rosemary for a refreshing twist on classic drinks.
- Iced Teas and Lemonades: A spoonful of lavender syrup in iced tea or lemonade creates a calming, aromatic drink perfect for warm weather or relaxation.
- Coffee and Lattes: Add a floral note to your morning coffee or iced lattes by mixing in a little lavender syrup for a unique twist on your daily brew.
- Desserts: Drizzle lavender syrup over cakes, ice cream, or fruit for a delightful touch of sweetness and fragrance. It’s especially delicious on lemon-based desserts.
- Sparkling Water: For a simple yet elegant drink, add lavender syrup to sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing, lightly floral beverage.
Lavender syrup’s subtle sweetness and floral aroma make it a perfect addition to both sweet and savory dishes, offering endless possibilities to experiment with!
