A fragrant floral syrup for cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, tea, coffee, and desserts
This easy lavender simple syrup adds a delicate floral sweetness to drinks and desserts. Made with just sugar, water, and culinary lavender, it’s a simple way to elevate everything from sparkling lemonade to homemade lattes. The flavor is lightly floral rather than perfumy, making it a versatile addition to your refrigerator all season long.
Total Cost: Approximately $0.85
Cost Per Tablespoon: Approximately $0.04
Whether you’re mixing cocktails for a gathering, sweetening iced tea, or making homemade lavender sugar cubes, this syrup comes together in minutes and stores well for weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with only 3 ingredients
- Perfect for cocktails and mocktails
- Naturally flavored with culinary lavender
- Easy to customize for stronger or lighter flavor
- Great for gifts and homemade drink stations
- Ready in about 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- Water
- Granulated sugar
- Culinary lavender buds
Optional
- A few drops of lavender extract for a stronger flavor
- 1–2 drops purple (or red and blue) food coloring for visual appeal
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups
- Glass jar or bottle for storage
Ingredient Notes
Culinary Lavender
Use culinary-grade lavender, not ornamental lavender from the garden unless you know it has not been treated with pesticides or chemicals. English lavender varieties are generally preferred for cooking because their flavor is softer and sweeter.
Sugar
Regular granulated sugar creates a clear, clean syrup. Organic cane sugar works well too but may create a slightly darker color.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
- Add 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar to a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds.
- Cover and allow the mixture to steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Taste after 20 minutes. For a stronger flavor, continue steeping up to 1 hour.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle.
- If desired, stir in 1–2 drops of purple food coloring for a lavender hue.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.
Serving Suggestions
Lavender simple syrup is delicious in:
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Sparkling water
- Gin cocktails
- Vodka cocktails
- Champagne and prosecco
- Coffee drinks
- Lattes
- Fruit salads
- Sorbets
- Frostings and glazes
Storage
Store lavender simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Start with a shorter steeping time and add more if needed. Lavender can quickly become overpowering.
- For crystal-clear syrup, strain through a coffee filter after the initial straining.
- A tiny splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
- Freeze extra syrup in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Add purple food coloring one drop at a time until you reach your desired shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lavender extract instead of lavender buds?
Yes. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon lavender extract after the syrup has cooled. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Why does my lavender syrup taste soapy?
Lavender was likely steeped too long or too much lavender was used. Reduce the steeping time or amount of lavender in future batches.
Can I make this syrup vegan?
Yes. Traditional simple syrup contains only sugar and water and is naturally vegan.
Lavender Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup 240 ml water
- 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar ($0.25)
- 2 tablespoons culinary lavender buds ($0.65)
- Optional: 1–2 drops purple food coloring ($0.01)
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a saucepan.
- Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and add lavender buds.
- Cover and steep 20–30 minutes.
- Strain, then stir in 1–2 drops purple food coloring if desired.
- Cool and store refrigerated.
Nutrition
The Wrap
Homemade lavender simple syrup is a simple way to bring a touch of floral elegance to everyday recipes. Whether you’re stirring it into a refreshing drink, drizzling it over fresh fruit, or using it in your favorite desserts, this versatile syrup is an easy staple to keep on hand whenever you want to add a little something special.
Hello! I’m Lisa, a vegan artist, photographer, author, Vegan Life Coach Educator, and RYT 200 yoga teacher. I love showing others how simple and delicious a plant-based diet can be. I draw and paint, cook, write, take lots of pics, eat lots of chocolate, and practice gratitude daily.