Lavender Syrup: Benefits and How to Make Your Own

Lavender syrup is a delightful and aromatic addition to various foods and beverages. It brings the soothing fragrance and floral taste of lavender to drinks like lemonades, cocktails, teas, and desserts such as cakes, pancakes, and ice cream. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making lavender syrup, including variations and tips for use.

What is Lavender Syrup?

Lavender syrup is a simple syrup infused with the floral essence of lavender flowers. The key ingredients are water, sugar, and lavender flowers (either fresh or dried). This syrup captures the sweet, aromatic flavor of lavender, adding a touch of sophistication to a variety of dishes and beverages.

How to Make Lavender Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 cup water: The base for the syrup. Some recipes use equal parts water and sugar, but you can adjust the ratio depending on how thick or sweet you want the syrup to be.
• 1 cup sugar: White granulated sugar is commonly used, but you can experiment with alternatives like honey or brown sugar for a different flavor.
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds or 4 tablespoons fresh lavender buds: These provide the floral aroma and taste. Ensure that the lavender is culinary-grade and not treated with chemicals.

Optional:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of warmth and depth)
• Lemon zest or lemon juice (for a citrusy twist)

Instructions

• Prepare the Lavender
  If you’re using fresh lavender, rinse the sprigs thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Strip the flowers from the stems. For dried lavender, no rinsing is necessary, but ensure that it is culinary-grade.
• Create the Sugar Syrup
  In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Continue to heat the syrup until it reaches a gentle simmer.
• Infuse the Lavender
  Once the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is simmering, add the lavender buds to the pan. If you want to add vanilla extract or lemon zest, now is the time. Stir to combine the ingredients.
• Simmer
  Allow the lavender to steep in the simmering syrup for about 10 minutes. This will release the lavender’s essential oils, giving the syrup a floral aroma and taste.
• Strain the Syrup
  After the lavender has infused the syrup, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the syrup cool slightly before straining out the lavender buds. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure a smooth syrup. Discard the lavender buds after straining.
• Store the Syrup
  Pour the strained syrup into a glass jar or bottle with an airtight seal. Let it cool completely before sealing. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks.

Variations

• Honey Lavender Syrup: Replace the sugar with honey for a richer, more complex flavor. Honey pairs beautifully with lavender, creating a slightly earthy, floral syrup.
• Lemon Lavender Syrup: Add lemon juice or zest to the syrup for a bright, zesty contrast to the lavender’s sweet, floral notes. This variation is perfect for lemonades or cocktails.
• Herb-Infused Lavender Syrup: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside the lavender for a more complex, aromatic syrup. These herbs add a savory depth to the sweet floral syrup.

How to Use Lavender Syrup

Lavender syrup is a versatile ingredient that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some popular ways to use it:

• Cocktails: Add a spoonful of syrup to gin, vodka, or champagne-based cocktails for a floral twist. It’s perfect for French 75, lavender martinis, or lavender lemonade spritzers.
• Coffee & Tea: Stir the syrup into iced coffee, lattes, or herbal teas for a soothing, fragrant touch. Lavender pairs especially well with Earl Grey tea and chamomile.
• Desserts: Drizzle syrup over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt. You can also use it as a glaze for cakes or pastries.
• Lemonades & Sodas: Mix lavender syrup with lemon juice and soda water for a refreshing lavender lemonade, or add it to sparkling water for a homemade lavender soda.
• Savory Dishes: Lavender syrup isn’t just reserved for desserts; it’s equally versatile in savory dishes. Use it as a glaze for grilled meats like chicken or pork to introduce a sweet floral aroma, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables like carrots or squash for a unique, balanced flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use culinary-grade lavender: Make sure your lavender is safe for consumption. Chemically treated or pesticide-laden lavender is not suitable for food use.
• Adjust the sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by modifying the sugar-to-water ratio to suit your taste preferences. A 1:1 ratio will give you a moderately sweet syrup, but you can increase or decrease the sugar for a more or less sweet result.
• Store properly: Keep your syrup in a glass jar or bottle with a tight seal to maintain freshness. Refrigerate it to extend its shelf life.
• Flavor pairings: Lavender pairs well with other floral or herbal ingredients like rose, thyme, and chamomile, as well as fruits like lemon, berries, and peaches. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Benefits of Lavender Syrup

For centuries, lavender has been valued for its calming properties. Adding lavender syrup to food or drinks reduces stress, promotes relaxation, improves sleep quality, and relieves headaches. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties also enhance overall health.

Other Popular Uses of Lavender

• Lavender Lemonade: Lavender adds a floral note to classic lemonade, providing a refreshing and calming twist. The subtle herbal flavor balances the tartness of the lemons, making it a popular summer drink.
• Lavender Tea: Made by steeping dried lavender buds, lavender tea is known for its calming properties. It’s often used to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and aid in sleep.
• Lavender Essential Oils: Lavender essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy. Its soothing scent helps reduce anxiety, promote sleep, and relieve headaches. It’s also used topically to help soothe irritated skin or minor burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lavender syrup good for?

Lavender syrup is often used to add a floral and sweet flavor to a variety of dishes and drinks. It’s commonly used in cocktails, teas, lemonades, coffee, and even desserts such as cakes, scones, or ice cream. It provides a calming, aromatic twist to both food and beverages, making it popular in gourmet recipes.

How Long Does Lavender Syrup Last?

When stored in the refrigerator, homemade lavender syrup typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks. However, adding a preservative like citric acid or lemon juice can last up to 4 weeks. It’s essential to store the syrup in a sterilized, airtight container and refrigerate it immediately to extend its shelf life. If you notice any off smells, mold, or changes in texture, it’s time to discard the syrup.

Does lavender syrup make you sleepy?

Lavender is well-known for its calming and sedative properties, so consuming lavender syrup might promote relaxation and help with sleep. However, the effect will likely vary from person to person. The scent and flavor of lavender are often associated with reducing anxiety and encouraging sleep.

Does lavender syrup help with anxiety?

Lavender has traditionally been used to help alleviate anxiety, stress, and restlessness. Consuming lavender syrup, especially in a soothing drink, might offer mild calming effects, although it should not be considered a substitute for professional anxiety treatments.

Can you drink lavender every day?

Drinking lavender daily is generally safe in moderate amounts, offering calming and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, excessive consumption may cause side effects like headaches or digestive issues, so moderation is key.