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This lavender syrup recipe is made with 3 simple ingredients and can be drizzled into coffee drinks, cocktails, lemonade, and more.
Simple syrup is easy to make at home, but did you know that you can use other sweeteners and herbs to make it extra special?
Lavender’s floral flavor pairs well with coffee and cocktails, but you could also use this method with rosemary or mint to create more flavor variations. Use lavender simple syrup to make a lavender latte that tastes better than the one from Starbucks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make lavender simple syrup you’ll need water, dried lavender flowers, and your favorite sweetener. I use honey to mimic a local coffee shop here in Kansas City, but you can use white sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup if you prefer.
Be sure to read the substitution tips below, as the amounts needed will vary.
I buy dried lavender on Amazon (affiliate link) but you may also be able to find it at your local grocery store.
How to Make Lavender Syrup
In a small saucepan combine the water, honey, and dried lavender. Bring the liquid to a boil. Stir often to make sure the honey dissolves and continue to simmer for 1 minute.
Then turn off the heat and let the lavender steep in the hot liquid for 30 minutes.
When your timer goes off, taste the mixture and make sure there’s enough lavender flavor to your liking. If you want a stronger batch, you can let the lavender steep for an additional 30 minutes.
Arrange a fine mesh strainer over a storage jar or measuring cup, then pour the liquid through the strainer to strain out the lavender buds.
The strained syrup is ready to use right away in your favorite beverages. (It’s also delicious drizzled over overnight oats!) Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Make Lavender Lemonade: Combine 3 tablespoons of lemon juice with 3 tablespoons of lavender syrup. Stir in 3/4 cup water, then add ice before serving.
Make a Lavender Latte: Add 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup to 2 shots of espresso and add in 6 to 8 ounces of cold or steamed milk, depending on if you want an iced or hot latte.
Alternative Sweetener Options
Honey is a concentrated sweetener, so you won’t use the same ratio when substituting granulated sugar in this lavender simple syrup recipe.
To use brown sugar, white sugar, or coconut sugar, use 1 cup sugar per 1 cup of water. Boil and whisk the mixture often, until the granulated sugar dissolves, then steep as directed.
If you prefer to use maple syrup as the sweetener, use 3/4 cup maple syrup to replace the 1/2 cup honey, and reduce the water to 3/4 cup in that case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simple syrup may last up to 1 month when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, but I would plan on making a batch that you’ll use within 2 weeks to be on the safe side.
If the syrup develops mold around the edges or has a cloudy appearance, it should be discarded.
Homemade lavender syrup is perfect for adding a sweet floral flavor to your favorite beverages. Use it to sweeten lattes, cocktails, lemonade, oatmeal, and more! Or drizzle it into a mug of decaf tea for a calming nightcap.
Natural sweeteners tend to have a golden or brown hue, so they will mask the purple color of dried lavender. For the most purple results, you’ll need to use white sugar as the sweetener.
Looking for more fun drink ideas? Try my Easy Mocktail, Basil Lemonade, or Iced Chai Latte for more ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
Instructions
- In a small saucepan combine the water, honey, and dried lavender. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Stir often to make sure the honey dissolves and continue to simmer for 1 minute. (Lower the heat if the mixture starts to bubble over.)
- Turn off the heat and let the lavender steep in the hot liquid for 30 to 60 minutes. Letting it steep for 30 minutes is sufficient if you're in a hurry, but letting it rest for a full hour will give you maximum lavender flavor.
- Arrange a fine mesh strainer over a storage jar or measuring cup, then pour the syrup through the strainer to strain out the lavender buds. The strained syrup is ready to use right away in your favorite drinks (see notes) and is also a delicious addition to oatmeal.
- Store this homemade syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Shake well before using each time.
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this homemade lavender simple syrup, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.
Made this after you posted on Instagram and now I’m obsessed! It’s really good in hot coffee and oatmeal with blueberries.
Looks good! However, I highly recommend not bringing honey to a boil or any high heat. Doing so causes it to lose nutrition and also turns it into a carcinogenic. I would do the water and lavender, then add honey at the end.