The Best Lavender Simple Syrup for Lemonade, Lattes, and More
Lavender simple syrup is the kind of pantry staple you didn’t know you needed—until you try it. This delicate, floral syrup adds a fragrant touch of sweetness that transforms basic drinks and desserts into something elegant and calming. Known for its soothing aroma, lavender also pairs beautifully with other ingredients like lemon, honey, and vanilla. Whether you’re crafting cocktails, baking treats, or enhancing your tea time, lavender syrup offers a fresh, floral flavor with a hint of sophistication.
Unlike store-bought syrups that often contain artificial flavorings, this homemade version uses real culinary-grade dried lavender buds, giving you a cleaner, more vibrant result. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time.
Ingredients
White Sugar
A neutral base that allows the gentle flavor of lavender to shine through without overwhelming it.
Filtered Water
Used to dissolve the sugar and extract the floral oils from the dried lavender.
Dried Lavender
Culinary-grade lavender buds are key to achieving a pure, aromatic flavor without bitterness.
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white sugar, filtered water, and dried lavender over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves into the water.
- Once the sugar is fully dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. This draws out the essential oils and flavor of the lavender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. This also helps deepen the floral notes.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture to remove the lavender buds. Then pour the finished syrup into a clean, airtight container.
- Store your lavender syrup in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Be sure to give it a gentle shake before use, as natural settling may occur.
Best Uses for Lavender Syrup
This syrup’s versatility makes it a favorite in everything from drinks to desserts. Here are some creative ways to use lavender simple syrup:
- Iced or Hot Tea – Stir into black, green, or herbal teas for a soft floral finish.
- Cocktails – Add to gin- or vodka-based cocktails, or pair with citrus and sparkling water for a refreshing twist.
- Lemonade – Combine with fresh lemon juice for a beautiful lavender lemonade perfect for spring and summer.
- Lattes – Add to a honey or vanilla latte for an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
- Cakes and Glazes – Use as a soaking syrup for sponge cakes, or whisk into icing sugar for a floral glaze.
- Yogurt and Fruit – Drizzle over Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit bowl for a fragrant boost.
- Mocktails and Spritzers – Mix with sparkling water, lemon, or cucumber for a non-alcoholic, spa-like beverage.
Lavender syrup pairs especially well with honey, lemon, blueberry, vanilla, and even light cheeses. Its clean, herbal notes enhance both sweet and savory pairings.
Tips for Success
- Use culinary-grade lavender – Not all dried lavender is safe to eat. Make sure you use lavender labeled as food-safe or culinary-grade to avoid bitterness and contaminants.
- Don’t over-steep – Ten minutes is usually just right. Steeping too long can make the syrup bitter or overly intense.
- For color – Lavender syrup doesn’t naturally come out purple, but you can add a tiny bit of natural purple coloring or dried hibiscus petals during the simmer for a beautiful hue.
- Taste before bottling – If you want a stronger floral note, you can steep for a few minutes longer before straining.
Storage and Shelf Life
Thanks to its sugar base, lavender syrup is naturally preserved for up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Always store it in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Use a fresh, clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria, and check for cloudiness or off smells before use.
This syrup also makes a lovely homemade gift. Pour it into a small bottle, add a hand-written label and some ribbon, and you have an elegant and personal present perfect for birthdays, holidays, or bridal showers.
Final Thoughts
Lavender simple syrup brings a gentle floral flavor that elevates any recipe it touches. Whether you’re crafting a lavender lemonade for a sunny afternoon or infusing your baked goods with a hint of floral magic, this syrup is an easy yet impactful way to explore the calming and aromatic world of lavender. It’s a timeless, elegant staple for any kitchen—one that offers both flavor and a bit of botanical charm.
I prefer to store my simple syrups in mason jars, and use lids like pour lids from Mason Jar Lifestyle. Alternatively, I also like to use these bottles which are aesthetic!
Check Out My Cookbook, Simple Syrups From Scratch!
Simple Syrups From Scratch—your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash.
The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: Hot chocolate, Teas, Lemonades, Sparkling water or infused water, Cocktails or mocktails, Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, Add to overnight oats, Brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, Use syrups in frosting or glazes, Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, Add to smoothies or milkshakes, Make salad dressings, Homemade popsicles and so much more!
Check Out My Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
- 3 tablespoons dried lavender
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white sugar, filtered water, and dried lavender over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves into the water.
- Once the sugar is fully dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. This draws out the essential oils and flavor of the lavender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. This also helps deepen the floral notes.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture to remove the lavender buds. Then pour the finished syrup into a clean, airtight container.
- Store your lavender syrup in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Be sure to give it a gentle shake before use, as natural settling may occur.
Notes
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white sugar, filtered water, and dried lavender over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves into the water.
- Once the sugar is fully dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. This draws out the essential oils and flavor of the lavender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. This also helps deepen the floral notes.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture to remove the lavender buds. Then pour the finished syrup into a clean, airtight container.
- Store your lavender syrup in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Be sure to give it a gentle shake before use, as natural settling may occur.
