Lavender simple syrup is a floral, sweet syrup made by simmering sugar, water, and culinary lavender together, then steeping it to infuse the lavender flavor before straining out the buds. It is commonly used to flavor beverages like lemonades, iced teas, lattes, cocktails, and can also be drizzled on desserts.
Basic Recipe for Lavender Simple Syrup
- Combine equal parts water and granulated sugar (e.g., 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar).
- Add culinary lavender buds (around 3-4 tablespoons dried or 10-15 fresh blooms).
- Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves and bring it to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and steep for 20-30 minutes (longer steeping gives a stronger lavender flavor).
- Strain out the lavender buds and store the syrup in a clean jar.
- Keep refrigerated for up to a month.
Uses
- Add to cold beverages like lavender lemonade or iced tea.
- Flavor hot drinks such as lavender lattes or coffee.
- Use as a cocktail or mocktail mixer.
- Drizzle over cakes, pancakes, or ice cream.
Lavender simple syrup can be customized by adding lemon or lime juice for a hint of citrus and even muddling lavender blooms in the juice before simmering to get a lovely pink hue and more intense flavor. This syrup is easy to make at home, versatile, and brings a fresh floral note to many drinks and dishes.
