Lavender Syrup Recipe
Imagine transforming everyday drinks and desserts into something truly exquisite with just a few drops of homemade Lavender Syrup. This aromatic, floral syrup is incredibly easy to make and instantly elevates everything from cocktails to iced tea with its enchanting fragrance and gentle sweetness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy an afternoon treat, this is the secret ingredient your kitchen has been missing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
How to Make Lavender Syrup
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by adding the water, sugar, and dried lavender buds to a small saucepan. This effortless step is key to building the syrup’s sweet and floral backbone, so measure out each component with care.
Step 2: Boil and Dissolve
Place your saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture comes to a gentle boil, ensuring all the sugar crystals dissolve completely. This will make your Lavender Syrup perfectly smooth and uniform in sweetness.
Step 3: Simmer and Infuse
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens – the lavender starts releasing its signature aroma, and the syrup takes on its deliciously floral essence.
Step 4: Steep for Maximum Flavor
Remove the pot from heat and let the syrup sit, lavender buds and all, for 20 to 30 minutes. Don’t rush this part! The extra steeping time allows every nuanced flavor from the lavender to fully infuse into the syrup for a rich, authentic result.
Step 5: Strain and Cool
Next, strain your syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jug, removing the spent lavender buds. Let it cool completely to room temperature – this not only thickens the syrup but also mellows and balances the floral profile.
Step 6: Bottle and Store
Pour your Lavender Syrup into a sterilized glass bottle or jar and stash it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within two weeks, but you’ll probably find it disappears much faster!
How to Serve Lavender Syrup
Garnishes
Adorning your Lavender Syrup creations can be pure joy. Add a sprig of fresh lavender or a twist of lemon peel to cocktails or lemonades for a visually stunning, aromatic touch. Even a few edible flower petals can take a simple drink into showstopper territory.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lavender Syrup-infused treats with classic teatime accompaniments: buttery shortbread, fresh scones, or delicate tea sandwiches. You’ll find the gentle floral sweetness complements creamy, rich pastries and provides a lovely contrast to citrusy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For ultra-creative flair, drizzle Lavender Syrup over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or a slice of pound cake. Add it to a sparkling water for homemade lavender soda or splash it into a latte for an instant café-worthy upgrade. The options are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lavender Syrup in a tightly sealed jar or bottle in your refrigerator. Stored this way, the syrup maintains its flavor and freshness for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon to help preserve its quality.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your Lavender Syrup, freezing is a fantastic option! Portion it into small containers or even ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and use as needed for a cool way to flavor drinks.
Reheating
Lavender Syrup is best served cold or at room temperature, but if you wish to warm it slightly for drizzling, gently heat it in a small saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to boil it again, which could alter its delicate floral notes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh lavender can be used in place of dried buds. You’ll want to use about twice as much fresh lavender to achieve the same flavor intensity. Be sure to use culinary lavender and rinse it well before adding to the syrup.
Is this Lavender Syrup safe for kids?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe and a wonderful way to introduce gentle florals to young palates. Lavender Syrup is non-alcoholic, vegan, and gluten-free, making it a fun addition to lemonades, Italian sodas, and desserts for all ages.
Can I make Lavender Syrup less sweet?
Certainly! If you prefer a lighter sweetness, try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup. The syrup will be slightly thinner but still bursting with floral flavor. You can also experiment with honey or agave if you enjoy different natural sweeteners.
How do I adjust the lavender flavor intensity?
If you prefer a subtle hint of lavender, use less than the suggested 2 tablespoons or steep for less time. For fans of bold floral flavor, add another teaspoon or extend the steep to 45 minutes – just taste as you go for your perfect balance.
What else can I use Lavender Syrup for?
Lavender Syrup is incredibly versatile! Use it to sweeten cocktails (especially gin-based ones), lemonade, tea, oatmeal, yogurt or even salad dressings. It also adds a luxe touch to homemade whipped cream and buttercream frosting.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how a simple batch of Lavender Syrup can bring so much charm to your kitchen creations. The fragrance alone feels like a little luxury, and its versatility will have you coming up with new ways to enjoy it every week. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try – you may just find yourself reaching for it even more often than honey or maple!
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Lavender Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make your own aromatic lavender syrup at home with this simple recipe. This floral-infused syrup adds a delicate sweetness to cocktails, lemonades, and desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup steep for 20-30 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring to a clean bottle or jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use this syrup to sweeten cocktails, lemonades, iced teas, or desserts.
- Adjust the amount of lavender to your taste for a stronger or milder floral flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop infusion
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
