Lavender Simple Syrup
I’m not going to lie, when lavender started really having it’s moment in coffee and tea, I didn’t get the hype. I love the SMELL of the lavender (like my Chamomile Lavender Simmer Pot), but the taste of lavender… that didn’t make sense to me. Why would you want your mouth to taste like a spa smells? And then I tried it, and, turns out, I do want my mouth to taste like a spa smells. There’s something that works with the subtle floral notes of lavender. It’s not overpowering, it’s not soapy, it’s just… good. Lavender simple syrup is one of the easiest ways to add that delicate floral flavor to your favorite drinks. All you need are a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes on the stove, and you’ve got a homemade syrup that takes your usual drinks to a whole new level.
If you’ve ever had a lavender lemonade at a coffee shop or cafe, this is the secret ingredient.
And if you love making your own drink syrups at home, this recipe fits right in alongside other favorites like strawberry mint simple syrup, blueberry cobbler simple syrup, and lemon simple syrup.
What Is Lavender Simple Syrup?
Lavender simple syrup is made by simmering sugar, water, and dried culinary lavender buds together until the lavender infuses into the syrup.
The result is a lightly sweet syrup with a subtle floral flavor that works beautifully in both hot and cold drinks.
What you end up with is this gently sweet syrup that’s got just the right hint of floral—nothing too strong, just enough to make your drinks feel a little extra special. Seriously, it tastes amazing in everything from cozy hot lattes to refreshing iced lemonades!
Once strained and cooled, it can be stored in the refrigerator and used to flavor:
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Coffee drinks
- Cocktails
- Mocktails
- Sparkling water
If you enjoy making homemade syrups for drinks, this recipe works the same way as our lemon simple syrup or rhubarb simple syrup, just with a floral twist.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup
Ingredients
To make lavender simple syrup you only need three ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
Important: Make sure you are using culinary grade lavender, not decorative lavender intended for potpourri.
Step By Step Instructions
Making lavender simple syrup is incredibly simple and only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine:
- water
- sugar
- dried lavender buds
Step 2: Simmer the mixture
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
Once the sugar dissolves, allow the mixture to gently simmer for 5–7 minutes. This allows the lavender to fully infuse into the syrup.
Step 3: Remove from heat and steep
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the lavender continue to steep in the syrup for 10–15 minutes. This step deepens the lavender flavor.
Step 4: Strain the syrup
Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the lavender buds.
Step 5: Cool and store
Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or bottle.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Why Isn’t My Lavender Syrup Purple?
Don’t worry if your lavender simple syrup isn’t purple — that’s completely normal. While dried lavender buds look vibrant, their color doesn’t strongly transfer into syrup during steeping. Most homemade lavender syrups turn out pale yellow, light amber, or slightly grayish in tone, even though the floral flavor comes through beautifully.
If you’re hoping for that classic purple look (especially for drinks or photos), you can naturally enhance the color:
- Add 1–2 butterfly pea flowers while steeping → this creates a deep blue color
- Stir in a few drops of lemon juice → the blue will shift to a soft purple
This is a simple, natural way to get that eye-catching lavender color without using food coloring.
The Best Way to Use Lavender Simple Syrup
Some favorite ways to use it include:
Lavender Lemonade
One of the most popular ways to use lavender syrup is in fresh homemade lemonade. Simply stir a few tablespoons of lavender syrup into a pitcher of lemonade to create a refreshing lavender lemonade.
Coffee Drinks
Lavender pairs surprisingly well with coffee. Try adding a small splash to:
- iced lattes
- cold brew
- homemade cold foam
Iced Tea
Lavender syrup adds a subtle floral sweetness to iced tea, especially when paired with lemon.
Sparkling Water
For a quick refreshing drink, stir a tablespoon of lavender syrup into sparkling water and add a slice of lemon.
Tips for the Best Lavender Flavor
Lavender can quickly become overpowering if too much is used, so a few simple tips help keep the flavor balanced.
Use culinary lavender- Always choose lavender that is labeled culinary grade.
Start with less lavender- If you’re unsure about the flavor strength, start with 1 tablespoon and increase in future batches if desired.
Don’t over-simmer- Lavender becomes bitter if simmered too long. Five to seven minutes is usually perfect.
Variations to Try
Once you start making simple syrups at home, it’s fun to experiment with different flavor combinations.
Here are a few variations to try:
Lavender Lemon Syrup- Add lemon zest while simmering for a bright citrus note.
Lavender Honey Syrup- Replace half the sugar with honey for a softer sweetness.
Lavender Vanilla Syrup- Add half a vanilla bean while simmering for a floral vanilla flavor.
How Long Does Lavender Simple Syrup Last?
Lavender simple syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for about two weeks when stored in a sealed container or jar.
For the longest shelf life:
- Use a clean jar or bottle
- Keep refrigerated
- Avoid introducing contaminants (always use a clean spoon)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes. Fresh lavender works as well, but you may need slightly more because the flavor is milder than dried lavender.
Why strain the lavender out?
Straining removes the lavender buds so the flavor stays balanced and the syrup remains smooth.
Can I use this syrup in lemonade?
Absolutely. Lavender syrup is one of the best ways to elevate fresh homemade lemonade, turning it into a light floral summer drink.
Can this be used in coffee?
Yes! A small splash in iced lattes or cold brew adds a subtle floral note that pairs surprisingly well with coffee.
More Homemade Drink Syrups to Try
If you enjoy making homemade syrups for drinks, you might also love these recipes:
These syrups are perfect for flavoring lemonades, iced teas, coffee drinks, and even cocktails.
A Beautiful Homemade Drink Ingredient
Lavender simple syrup is honestly one of those little kitchen tricks that totally transform your drinks. It takes just a few minutes, but suddenly your lemonade, tea, or even coffee goes from ordinary to something really special—and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner!
Oh, and for sure once you try it in fresh squeezed lemonade, you’ll find yourself making it all summer long.
