Lavender syrup recipes is one of those magical ingredients that instantly transforms a regular drink, dessert, or self-care ritual into something spa-like and indulgent. Whether you’ve seen it on the Starbucks menu or spotted it in artisan cocktails, making your own lavender syrup recipe at home is simple, affordable, and deeply rewarding.
Table of Contents
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to make lavender syrup from fresh or dried lavender
- How to store it and how long it lasts
- The best ways to use lavender syrup (from lattes to skincare)
- What to do if your syrup turns bitter
- And answers to the most searched lavender syrup FAQs
Already love lavender? Try our lavender honey lemonade next!
What Is Lavender Syrup Recipes?
Lavender syrup is a simple syrup made by simmering water, sugar, and lavender buds to extract their flavor and aroma. The result is a floral, slightly herbal sweetener used in:
- Coffee and tea drinks
- Cocktails and mocktails
- Cakes, frosting, and glazes
- Homemade sodas
- Bath and body DIYs
Ingredients for Lavender Syrup Recipe
http://inasrecipes.comHere’s everything you need to make the perfect lavender syrup recipe at home:
✅ Ingredients (Yields ~1½ cups)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender OR 3 tablespoons fresh lavender buds
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (helps preserve color and freshness)
🌿 Note: Use only culinary-grade lavender, such as Lavandula angustifolia. Do not use decorative or fragranced lavender.
How to Make Lavender Syrup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Combine and Simmer
In a small saucepan, combine:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Stir over medium heat until sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Add Lavender
Add 2 tbsp dried lavender (or 3 tbsp fresh).
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Steep
Turn off heat and let the mixture steep for 20 minutes. This intensifies the lavender flavor without boiling off essential oils.
Step 4: Strain and Cool
Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the buds.
Let cool completely before storing.
Step 5: Store
Pour into a sterilized glass bottle or jar with a tight lid.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Pro Tips for the Best Lavender Syrup
- Bitterness? Steep too long or use too much lavender, and your syrup can turn bitter. Stick to 5-minute simmer + 20-minute steep.
- Stronger flavor? Gently crush lavender buds before adding to release more oils.
- Lighter color? Add 1 tsp lemon juice to preserve a soft lavender hue.
Can I Use Dried Lavender for Lavender Syrup?
Yes! Dried culinary lavender is more concentrated than fresh, so reduce the amount slightly:
- Use 2 tbsp dried lavender
- Or 3 tbsp fresh lavender buds
Store-bought lavender must say “culinary” on the label — anything else may be sprayed or scented.
Variations: Lavender Vanilla Syrup
To make a lavender vanilla syrup:
- Add ½ tsp vanilla extract or scrape in the seeds of 1 vanilla bean after straining.
- Let the syrup cool with the vanilla before bottling.
Use it in lattes, whipped cream, or cake drizzle.
Try this with our iced vanilla lavender latte.
How to Use Lavender Syrup (Sweet & Beyond)
Lavender syrup is incredibly versatile. Here are 10 ideas:
In Drinks:
- Stir into coffee, lattes, or cold brew
- Mix with lemonade or iced tea
- Add to cocktails (try with gin or vodka)
- Make lavender soda with sparkling water
In Baking:
- Drizzle over vanilla cake or lemon loaf
- Mix into buttercream or glaze
- Swirl into yogurt or whipped cream
In Skincare:
- Add to homemade bath bombs or soap
- Mix into DIY body scrubs
- Use in a relaxing bath soak
Explore our lavender-infused bath recipe for full-body relaxation.
Storage and Shelf Life
Homemade lavender syrup lasts:
- Up to 3 weeks refrigerated in a sealed, clean glass jar
- Up to 6 months if you add 1 tsp vodka as a natural preservative
Check for signs of spoilage:
- Cloudiness
- Mold near the lid
- Off or fermented smell
If in doubt, throw it out.
Why Is My Lavender Syrup Bitter?
This is the #1 lavender syrup mistake. Bitterness happens when:
- You use too much lavender
- You simmer it too long
- You steep past 30 minutes
Fix it by:
- Diluting with more sugar syrup
- Masking with lemon, vanilla, or honey
- Starting over with reduced steep time
Lavender and Sleep: Is It True?
Yes — lavender has been used medicinally for centuries. Its main compound linalool is known for:
- Reducing anxiety
- Lowering cortisol levels
- Promoting deeper sleep
A spoonful of lavender syrup in chamomile tea makes a calming bedtime drink. For more, read our natural sleep aid drink recipes.
FAQ – People Also Ask
How to do lavender syrup?
Simmer equal parts sugar and water, add lavender, steep for 20 minutes, strain, and store. Full lavender syrup recipe is above.
How long does homemade lavender syrup last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 weeks, or longer if a preservative like vodka or lemon is added.
What is Starbucks lavender syrup made of?
Starbucks typically uses a lavender-flavored syrup with sugar, natural flavors, citric acid, and preservatives — not real lavender.
Can you use dried lavender for lavender syrup?
Yes, but use culinary-grade dried lavender, and slightly less than fresh since it’s more potent.
What is lavender syrup good for?
- Flavoring coffee, tea, cocktails, desserts
- Promoting relaxation and sleep
- Use in DIY skincare like soap or bath bombs
Why is my lavender syrup bitter?
Over-steeping or using too much lavender causes bitterness. Stick to a 20-minute steep after a brief simmer.
Can lavender syrup make you sleepy?
It can. Lavender contains linalool, which helps calm the nervous system. Especially effective when paired with herbal teas.
How to tell if lavender syrup is bad?
If it smells fermented, looks cloudy, or has mold — it’s gone bad and should be discarded.
Do homemade syrups go bad?
Yes. Without preservatives, most syrups last 2–3 weeks refrigerated.
How to make lavender vanilla syrup?
Add ½ tsp vanilla extract after straining your lavender syrup or steep a vanilla bean pod during cooking.
How to prepare lavender for medicinal use?
Steep buds in hot water for tea, infuse in oil, or use in a glycerite tincture. Always use organic culinary-grade lavender.
How to infuse lavender into milk?
Warm milk gently with 1 tbsp lavender buds, let steep off heat for 10 minutes, then strain. Perfect for lattes or desserts.
How to make lavender soap?
Combine lavender essential oil and dried buds with melt-and-pour soap base. Add honey or coconut oil for extra moisture. Full recipe coming soon.
Lavender syrup recipes