A homemade simple syrup is a great addition to mixed drinks. Simply put it’s just water and dissolved sugar boiled down to make a syrup. Additions of mint, lavender, and jalapeño, make the flavor options endless!
Spring has sprung and that certain specialty coffee shop has thrown lavender into the mix of their drinks. I know what you’re thinking. Lavender in a coffee and/or tea? Stick with me here and believe me it will NOT taste like soap. It could, but here to help add a little addition to your next mixed drink and/or coffee/tea that will make people wonder what is that subtle flavor? And then you can tell them it’s a fancy Lavender Simple Syrup!
I ALWAYS have a jar of homemade simple syrup in my refrigerator. Simple syrup is an easy way to make a homemade cocktail have that extra little oomph. Could you buy this at the store? Definitely! However, this recipe will actually save you time and money! Not to mention it’s so simple (pun intended!) to make. Plus you can totally customize the flavors. Lavender is where I went this time so that I could make a Lavender Matcha Latte. I love recreating the specialty coffee drinks to not only use less sugar but also save $$!
Ingredients: Lavender Simple Syrup
That’s it! Literally so simple. Although there is a trick to help you not taste too much lavender, so definitely read on!
- Water: I used bottled water. If you drink your tap water, that works fine too. Where I live my water is a tad too chlorinated in taste, so suffice it to say I use bottled/filtered water for drinking
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is all you’ll need. The sugar will dissolve as the water is heated to create a syrup.
- Lavender: You need to buy culinary lavender. This is different than the lavender used for soaps, oils, or fragrances. You’ll find the flavor a bit sweeter and milder and that’s why it’s better for cooking and/or baking. Double check when you buy your lavender that you see the words, ‘culinary lavender’ clearly on the package. If you don’t see that it should still be noted that it’s appropriate for cooking or baking. Do not buy a bunch of dried lavender at a market/flower shop and try doing this. *You’ve been warned*
How To Make Lavender Simple Syrup
Making simple syrup from scratch is as “simple” as heating water and sugar on the stove until the sugar dissolves. If you’ll be adding a flavor variation, you’ll add that as the syrup cools. If you’re adding lavender or mint, I’ll strain the herb since they turn dark in color (and that can be unattractive). On the other hand, if I’m adding jalapeños, I sometimes leave them in the syrup since they’ll become candied. Simply be careful of that stray seed when you go to add the syrup to your drinks!
Once completely cooled, you can store the syrup in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. It’s great that it lasts for so long because one, you don’t need that much, and two, you’ll always be ready to make a drink when the mood strikes.
Lavender FAQs
Yes! Purchase culinary, food grade lavender, and you’re good to go. Culinary lavender is different than dried flowers or a lavender oil and do NOT recommend using those in food preparation.
Floral and sweet with a slight/subtle note of mint. If Spring time could be bottled up in a flavor, lavender is where it’s at!
You can buy culinary lavender on Amazon and/or Whole Foods and even other ‘natural’ grocery stores as well.
Many different trial runs have gone through to find the best method for you! The recipe I created is the best version I’ve made where the flavor is subtle yet strong enough that you’ll detect it in your drink, but also not too overpowering.
The first time you make lavender simple syrup, you might notice that tiny particles can get through a fine mesh strainer. This is just the way lavender is! For a very clear, debris free simple syrup, run it through a coffee filter or cheese cloth (see picture above) to eliminate these impurities. Works like a charm! Just make sure you do this gradually so the filter doesn’t break from the weight of the syrup.
Simple Syrup Recipes
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Lavender Simple Syrup
A homemade simple syrup is a great addition to mixed drinks. Simply put it’s just water and dissolved sugar boiled down to make a syrup. Additions of mint, lavender, and jalapeño, make the flavor options endless!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons culinary lavender
Instructions
- Combine – in a medium saucepan the sugar and water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
- Add 2 tablespoons culinary lavender to the simple syrup. Steep for 15 minutes and then strain. Strain again with a cheesecloth (or coffee filter) to remove any remaining debris.
- Allow to cool. Add to drinks – start with a tablespoon & add more as needed (if needed).
1 thought on “Lavender Simple Syrup”
Sounds like a great addition to any drink!