Homemade Lavender Syrup
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If you’ve ever wondered how to infuse your beverages and dishes with a touch of elegance, look no further than this delightful Lavender Syrup recipe. It’s quick and easy to make and can be used in a variety of different ways.
Lavender syrup, also known as lavender simple syrup, is a delightful addition to various beverages and desserts, adding a touch of floral sweetness. Here on Inspired by Charm, we talk a lot about simple syrup and how it can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen.
About a month ago I traveled to the south of France for an art retreat. I was fortunate enough to be there during lavender season and the place I stayed at had a lavender field on the property. It was gorgeous and the sweet scent of lavender was intoxicating.
I never really used lavender in cooking, but this experience in France inspired me to give it a try. I did a bit of research and found that creating a lavender simple syrup would be the perfect place to start. It’s ideal because this syrup can be used in drink making, baking, and even in savory dishes.
Below I’ll walk you through the simple steps for making Lavender Syrup, how to use it, and even share a few flavor variations. I hope you’re inspired to give it a try yourself. It’s so simple and I know you’re going to love it too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It can be used to sweeten a wide range of beverages, such as lemonades, teas, cocktails, and even coffee. Additionally, it adds an extra layer of complexity and sophistication to desserts like cakes, ice creams, pancakes, and fruit salads.
- This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. With just water, sugar, and dried lavender, anyone can whip up a batch of delicious Lavender Syrup within a short amount of time.
- Lavender Syrup offers a unique flavor experience. Its delicate floral notes impart a subtle and enchanting flavor that is both refreshing and intriguing. It’s a wonderful departure from conventional syrups and sweeteners.
Ingredients
This is a really easy recipe. You only need three ingredients to make this Lavender Syrup. Here’s what to gather:
- Water: Water is the base of the syrup. It is used to dissolve the sugar and extract the flavors from the dried lavender. Make sure to use fresh, clean water to avoid any off-flavors in the syrup.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar is the sweetening agent in the syrup. It adds the desired sweetness and helps preserve the syrup by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The amount of sugar used can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar may affect the syrup’s texture and shelf life.
- Food-Grade Dried Lavender: Dried lavender flowers are the star ingredient that gives this syrup its distinct floral flavor and aroma. It’s essential to use food-grade dried lavender, specifically meant for culinary purposes, to ensure it’s free from any harmful additives or pesticides. Dried lavender is convenient as it’s available year-round and has a longer shelf life compared to fresh lavender.
- Violet Gel Food Coloring: The addition of violet gel food coloring is entirely optional, and the syrup will taste just as delicious without it. However, if you want to add an elegant touch of color to your lavender syrup, the violet gel food coloring is a simple and effective way to achieve that.
How To Make
It’s time to get started. This process is super simple. I’ll walk you through the steps below. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Begin by adding the water, sugar, and dried lavender to a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about eight minutes. Avoid boiling the mixture to preserve the delicate flavors of the lavender.
- Once the sugar has completely dissolved, turn off the heat and add a lid to your pan. Let the lavender steep in the syrup as it cools down. This will infuse the syrup with the lavender flavor. Allow the lavender to steep for at least 10-15 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger lavender taste.
- After the lavender has infused the syrup, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth to remove the dried lavender buds. Add find coloring if desired. (See ‘How to Make it Purple’ section below.)
- Transfer the strained Lavender Syrup into a clean, airtight container. You can use a glass bottle or a jar with a lid. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How to Make it Purple
The addition of violet gel food coloring is entirely optional, and the syrup will taste just as delicious without it. However, if you want to add an elegant touch of color to your lavender syrup, the violet gel food coloring is a simple and effective way to achieve that.
To add the food coloring, dip a toothpick into the gel coloring and swirl it into the syrup. Adjust the amount of coloring according to your desired shade of purple. Remember that a little goes a long way with gel food coloring.
And that’s it!
Your Homemade Lavender Syrup is now ready to use! You can use it to sweeten various beverages such as lemonades, teas, or cocktails. It also works well drizzled over desserts like cakes, pancakes, or ice cream. Enjoy the floral goodness of your lavender creation!
How to Use
Now that you’ve made your Lavender Syrup, you might be wondering what you can do with it. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.
- Lavender Syrup is a fantastic addition to any beverage. Try adding a splash to your morning cup of tea or coffee for a subtle floral infusion.
- For a refreshing twist on fabulous mixed drink, mix Lavender Syrup with gin, lemon juice, and soda water to create a lavender gin fizz. The combination of the botanical notes from the gin and the floral sweetness of the syrup will make for a truly delightful sip.
- If you have a sweet tooth, Lavender Syrup can be used to elevate your desserts to the next level. Drizzle it over cakes, mix it into frostings, use it to make a sweet glaze, etc.
- Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a unique and fragrant twist on breakfast.
- For a truly decadent treat, pour Lavender Syrup over vanilla ice cream and top with fresh berries. The creamy sweetness of the ice cream combined with the floral notes of the syrup will create a dessert that is both sophisticated and indulgent.
- Lavender Syrup can also be used in savory dishes. Try using it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork to add a subtle hint of floral flavor.
- You can also mix it into salad dressings for a unique twist on the classic vinaigrette.
As you can see, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to incorporating Lavender Syrup into your culinary creations. I’d love to hear some of your ideas below.
Recipe Variations
Okay, so now that you know how to make it and how to use it, let’s shake things up.
While this Lavender Syrup is absolutely delicious on its own, you may want to try other flavor variations. If you do, here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Citrus Twist: Add a burst of citrusy goodness to your Lavender Syrup by incorporating the zest of lemons, oranges, or even limes. After dissolving the sugar, stir in the zest of one or two citrus fruits. Let the mixture simmer for an additional minute or two to infuse the syrup with the citrus flavors. Strain the syrup before storing it. This variation adds a refreshing and tangy dimension to the floral notes of lavender.
- Vanilla Infusion: To create a creamy and aromatic Lavender Syrup, add a splash of pure vanilla extract after the syrup has been strained. Vanilla complements the floral lavender taste and adds a touch of warmth to the overall flavor profile. Start with a small amount of vanilla extract and adjust to your liking.
- Honey Lavender Syrup: Substitute some or all of the granulated sugar with honey for a more natural and distinctive flavor. Keep in mind that honey is sweeter than sugar, so you may need to adjust the amount to taste. The combination of honey and lavender creates a delightful and soothing syrup.
- Floral Medley: Combine different edible dried flowers with lavender to create a floral medley syrup. Add small amounts of dried rose petals, chamomile, or hibiscus along with the lavender during the infusion process. This will result in a syrup that has a delightful bouquet of floral notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of lavender for making syrup?
While there are many different varieties of lavender, not all are suitable for making syrup. It’s important to use culinary lavender, specifically English or French lavender, which has a milder and sweeter flavor compared to other types.
How long does Homemade Lavender Syrup last?
When stored correctly, Lavender Syrup can last up to a month in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and aroma. If you notice any changes in color or scent, it’s best to discard the syrup as it may have spoiled.
Can I substitute Lavender Syrup in recipes that call for other syrups?
Absolutely! Lavender Syrup can lend a unique twist to various recipes that traditionally use other syrups like simple syrup or flavored syrups.
Can I adjust the intensity of the lavender flavor in the syrup?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more subtle lavender flavor, you can reduce the amount of lavender buds used during the infusion process. On the other hand, if you want a stronger and more pronounced lavender taste, you can increase the number of lavender buds or steep them for a longer period.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Three Homemade Herb Butters
- Chive Vinegar
- Homemade Mulling Spices
- Easy Whipped Cream
- Red Pepper Jelly
I know you’re going to find some delicious ways to use this Homemade Lavender Syrup. If you give it a try, I’d love to know what you think and how you’ve incorporated it into your recipes. Stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Lavender Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup food-grade dried lavender
- optional: violet food coloring
Instructions
- Begin by adding the water, sugar, and dried lavender to a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about eight minutes. Avoid boiling the mixture to preserve the delicate flavors of the lavender.
- Once the sugar has completely dissolved, turn off the heat and add a lid to your pan. Let the lavender steep in the syrup as it cools down. This will infuse the syrup with the lavender flavor. Allow it to steep for at least 10-15 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger lavender taste.
- After the lavender has infused the syrup, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth to remove the dried lavender buds. Add food coloring if desired.*
- Transfer the strained lavender syrup into a clean, airtight container. You can use a glass bottle or a jar with a lid. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful recipes. I can hardley wait to make this syrup. I will def make Honey lavender syrup as well. because it is my most favorite. You have a wonderful smile too. Thanks again & Many Blessings