Lavender Simple Syrup (Easy DIY!)

Here’s how to make easy lavender syrup! This easy DIY will add a subtle floral flavor to cocktails and beverages of all kinds.

Here’s a way to add great flavor to all your drinks: Simple lavender syrup! Lavender is a unique ingredient to add to your cooking: it imparts a subtle floral essence to the flavors. It adds just the right amount to the French spice mix Herbes de Provence and takes fruit desserts to the next level, like this Blueberry Crisp. So why not add to drinks too? Add just the right amount and your cocktail or mocktail will go from great to extraordinary. This is how this simple DIY recipe succeeds!

Ingredients for the lavender syrup

All you need for this easy lavender syrup is 3 ingredients: you probably already have two on hand!

• Sugar
• Water
• lavender flowers

Use fresh or dried lavender flowers!

You can use fresh or dried lavender flowers to make a simple lavender syrup. Dried lavender is easier to find and will last up to 1 year in a cool, dry place like your spice drawer. But if you come across fresh lavender flowers at a farmer’s market or grow them in your garden, you can use them too! You only need the flowers, not the sprigs of green leaves.

to use sugar

You can use different types of sugar to make simple syrup! Here’s what you need to know:

• granulated sugar is the default option. It works best because it makes a light-colored, simple syrup. We suggest using it here unless you want to use it with…
• Organic cane sugar or coconut sugar also work. They’re browner in color than white sugar, so they give plain syrup a tan color. It doesn’t affect the taste at all, it’s just a darker color. Lavender flowers give off a subtle purple color, so it’s nice to make them with granulated sugar so you can see hints of purple when making a drink.

How to make simple lavender syrup: some tips

You can make simple syrup using many different herbs and spices! The main idea is to make a simple syrup and then let it sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to infuse. Here’s what you should know (or jump straight to the recipe below):

• Use equal parts water and sugar. For the following recipe we used ½ cup each. That makes 10 tablespoons, which we think is more than enough for a specialty ingredient. (You’ll use about 1 tablespoon per drink, depending on what you’re making.)
• Bring to the boil with the lavender, then remove from the heat and leave to rest for 20 minutes. Add lavender flowers and let it steep! You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you get after just 20 minutes.
• Filter and cool. Strain the lavender flowers and you’re good to go. The syrup will keep in the fridge for 1 month.

Make 5 drinks with simple lavender syrup

Lavender Simple Syrup adds a wonderfully subtle floral flavor to drinks! This flavor is usually associated with summer, but you can also drink it any time of the year. Here are some drink ideas to prepare:

1. Lavender lemonade

Make homemade lavender syrup with lavender lemonade to taste. Very easy! Make it a mocktail by adding sparkling water.

2. Lavender Collins

• 2 ounces of gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• ¾ to 1 ounce lavender syrup
• ½ cup sparkling water
• Ice Cream (try our clear ice!)

Pour the ingredients into a shaker with 4 ice cubes. Shake well until cool. Pour into a glass filled with ice and top up with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of lavender. (See Tom Collins or Lavender Gin Cocktail for more.)

3. Lavender tendril

• 2 ounces of gin
• ½ ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce plain lavender syrup

Put the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until cool, then strain into a glass. (See Gin Gimlet for more.)

4. French Lavender 75

• 1½ ounces gin
• ¾ ounce lemon juice
• ½ ounce plain lavender syrup
• 3 ounces champagne (1/2 glass)*

Pour gin, lemon juice and syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds until cool. Strain the liquid into a champagne flute. Fill the glass with champagne. (See French 75 for more.)

5. Gin Fizz Lavender

• 2 ounces of gin
• ¾ ounce lemon juice
• ½ ounce plain lavender syrup
• 1 egg white
• Carbonated water

Pour gin, lemon juice, syrup and egg white into a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds until cold. Strain the drink into a glass and top up with sparkling water; Protein foam forms on top. (See Gin Fizz for more.)

Easier syrup recipes

You can make cocktails and mocktails with all sorts of simple syrup recipes! Here are some additional ideas:

This easy lavender syrup recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free