Oh, don’t you just love a little bit of magic in your kitchen? Making your own lavender syrup is like bottling sunshine and fragrant breezes! I remember the first time I tasted a lavender latte at a little café tucked away in a garden. It was like a revelation – that subtle floral note just danced with the coffee. Since then, I’ve been hooked and have been whipping up batches right in my own home. My grandmother, bless her heart, always had a garden overflowing with herbs, and I swear she knew how to coax the best flavor out of everything. This recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at the dreamy floral taste it adds to everything from your morning coffee to a summer cocktail. It’s truly my go-to for adding a little something special!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lavender Syrup
Seriously, making your own lavender syrup is the sweetest little project! Here’s why I think you’ll be making batches non-stop:
- It’s SO Easy: You only need a few things and about 25 minutes total. No fancy tricks needed!
- That Dreamy Flavor: It’s delicately floral, not overpowering, and adds this beautiful, calming note to drinks. Think sophisticated but totally approachable.
- Super Versatile: This isn’t just for coffee! It’s amazing in tea, cocktails, mocktails, drizzled over desserts… the possibilities are endless!
- Satisfyingly Homemade: There’s just something special about whipping up your own flavored syrups. You know exactly what’s in it, and it tastes so much better than store-bought.
Gather Your Ingredients for Lavender Syrup
Alright, time to gather up our goodies! You won’t believe how simple this is. You’ll need just three things:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds (make sure they’re for cooking, not just pretty smells!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lavender Syrup
Alright, let’s get this lovely lavender syrup made! It’s a really simple process, and honestly, watching it come together is almost as nice as tasting it. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a jar of floral goodness in no time. Remember, patience is key here, especially with the steeping part! If you’re looking for more easy syrup recipes, you can check out this guide too.
Combining and Dissolving Ingredients
First things first, grab a small saucepan. Pour in your water and sugar. Pop it on the stove over medium heat. Now, just stir, stir, stir until that sugar completely vanishes into the water. You want a nice, clear liquid; no grainy bits left behind!
Infusing the Lavender Flavor
Once the sugar is all dissolved, toss in your dried culinary lavender buds. Give it a little nudge to get them submerged. Now, bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer, but *right* when you see those first little bubbles start to form, take it off the heat immediately. We don’t want to cook the lavender, just give it a warm bath to release its best flavors.
Steeping and Straining Your Lavender Syrup
This is where the magic really happens! Let those lavender buds hang out and steep in the warm syrup for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is the point where you can really coax out that beautiful floral essence. Don’t let it go much longer than that, though, or it can get a bit too strong or even a tiny bit bitter – we want delicate, remember? After steeping, grab a fine-mesh sieve and pour the syrup through it into a clean jar or bottle. Gently press on the lavender buds to get every last drop, then discard the buds. Trust me, you don’t want any little bits floating around in your beautiful syrup!
Cooling and Storing Your Homemade Lavender Syrup
Now for the hardest part – waiting! You need to let your gorgeous lavender syrup cool down completely. Once it’s at room temperature, pop a lid on your jar or bottle nice and tight. You can store it in the fridge for about two weeks. It’s so good, though, I bet it won’t last that long!
Tips for Perfect Lavender Syrup Every Time
Okay, so making this lavender syrup is pretty foolproof, but like with any recipe, a few insider tips can make all the difference. I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, especially since my grandmother’s garden was my first classroom! Following these little pointers will help ensure your syrup is absolutely divine, every single time you make it.
Choosing the Right Lavender
This is super important, trust me! You absolutely *must* use culinary-grade lavender. Ornamental lavender, the kind you see just for looks, can be sprayed with pesticides or just not grown for eating, and it won’t taste right. You can usually find culinary lavender online or in specialty spice shops. It just makes all the difference in flavor! For more ideas on where to use it, check out these culinary lavender uses.
Adjusting Lavender Intensity
Now, lavender can be a bit tricky – you want that lovely floral whisper, not a full-on perfume! If you’re new to it, start with the 2 tablespoons of buds. Taste it after steeping and if you want more flavor, you can always steep for a few extra minutes or add a tiny bit more buds next time. Conversely, if you find it too strong, maybe use just 1.5 tablespoons or steep for a shorter time, like 10-15 minutes.
Creative Ways to Use Your Lavender Syrup
Oh, and the fun doesn’t stop at just making it! This lovely lavender syrup is like a secret weapon in my kitchen. I adore adding a little splash to my morning coffee – it makes it feel like such a treat, almost like a fancy café. My personal favorite is a honey lavender latte! And tea? Forget about it! It’s a game-changer for iced tea or even a warm chamomile. If you’re a tea lover, you’ve got to try it; it elevates any tea syrup recipe.
But wait, there’s more! This syrup is fantastic for cocktails. Think a refreshing gin fizz or a simple vodka soda with a floral twist. It’s just enough to make your drink feel special without being overwhelming. And baked goods! A drizzle over vanilla pound cake, or mixed into frosting? Divine! It’s amazing how such a simple syrup can open up a whole world of delicious possibilities. For even more ideas on what to make, check out these great lavender drink recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Syrup
Got questions about this lovely lavender syrup? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the things people often ask me.
Can I Use Fresh Lavender Buds?
You certainly can use fresh lavender, but you’ll need more of it! Fresh lavender is a bit more delicate in flavor. I’d recommend using about three times the amount – so around 6 tablespoons of fresh buds for this recipe. It’s also a good idea to give them a gentle rinse. Just be aware that fresh buds might make your syrup slightly cloudier, which is totally fine!
How Long Does Homemade Lavender Syrup Last?
Once your syrup has cooled completely and is stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator, it should stay good for about 2 weeks. Honestly, it’s so delicious and versatile, mine usually disappears way before that! If you notice any funky smells or tastes, it’s always best to toss it, but usually, it’s perfectly fine for a couple of weeks.
What is Culinary Lavender?
This is a super important distinction! Culinary lavender is specifically grown for cooking and has a flavor profile that’s meant to be enjoyed. Ornamental lavender, the kind you might see in gardens just for looks, often has different oils or might have been treated with pesticides. Always, always make sure you’re using lavender that’s labeled as “culinary grade” for any recipes. It makes a world of difference in taste and safety. You can find it in most good spice shops or online – it’s worth the extra step!
Nutritional Information for Lavender Syrup
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Since this lavender syrup is mostly sugar and water, the nutrition is pretty straightforward. Remember, these are just estimates per tablespoon and can change a bit depending on how you make it.
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: Around 50
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: About 13g
- Sugar: 13g
It’s definitely a treat, so enjoy it in moderation!
Share Your Lavender Syrup Creations!
Okay, so now you’ve made this amazing lavender syrup, and I am dying to hear about it! Did you try it in your coffee? Maybe a fancy cocktail? Please, leave a comment below and tell me all about your delicious adventures. If you took a picture, share it with me on social media – I’d absolutely love to see what you’ve whipped up! You can also reach out via my contact page. Happy cooking!
Print
Lavender Simple Syrup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for homemade lavender syrup, perfect for coffee, tea, or cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the dried lavender buds to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then immediately remove from heat.
- Let the lavender steep in the syrup for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, discarding the lavender buds.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before use or storage.
Notes
- Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the amount of lavender to your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Syrup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg



