“In every drop, a garden of lavender whispers—sweetness blooming in delicate harmony.”
Introduction
I’ve always been captivated by the soothing allure of lavender, a flower that brings both calm and beauty into every space it touches. In this lavender syrup recipe, I’ve distilled the essence of lavender into a syrup that’s perfect for adding a delicate floral note to drinks, desserts, and more. This syrup is simple yet enchanting, a versatile addition to any floral-infused pantry.
With lavender’s gentle aroma and soft flavor, each spoonful of this syrup feels like a tiny escape to a blooming lavender field. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of poetic sweetness to everyday treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Adds a calming floral note to tea, cocktails, and desserts.
- Simple to make with just a few ingredients.
- Versatile for various recipes, from baking to beverages.
- A beautiful, naturally fragrant way to elevate your culinary creations.
Floral Spotlight: Lavender
Lavender’s soft, herbaceous aroma and subtly sweet, floral taste make it ideal for culinary uses. When used in this syrup, it brings a calming yet refreshing quality that pairs well with a range of flavors. Make sure to use pesticide-free, food-grade lavender. For sourcing and preparing edible blooms, visit my post on sourcing edible flowers.
Looking to bring the soothing essence of lavender into your kitchen? Discover creative ways to cook with lavender in our detailed guide here.
- Flavor Profile: Herbal, floral, and slightly sweet.
- Health Benefits of Lavender: Lavender is renowned for its soothing properties, offering potential benefits for both the mind and body. Its calming aroma may reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and alleviate anxiety. Rich in antioxidants, lavender supports immune health and combats oxidative stress. Additionally, it may aid digestion and ease headaches due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Explore more about the health benefits of edible flowers, including lavender, in our detailed guide here.
- Culinary Uses: Ideal for syrups, teas, cocktails, baked goods, and desserts.
- Varieties: English lavender is most commonly used for culinary purposes due to its milder flavor.
- Harvesting Tips: Pick lavender flowers in the morning when they are most fragrant, and ensure they’re free from pesticides.
- Preparation: Rinse gently, removing any debris, and pat dry before use.
For more guidance, visit my blog post: How to Source and Prepare Edible Flowers: A Guide to Culinary Blooms.
What is a Floral Syrup?
Floral syrups are simple syrups infused with edible flowers, which impart their unique fragrance and flavor to the syrup. Lavender syrup, in particular, captures the essence of lavender flowers in a concentrated liquid form, making it easy to add a gentle floral touch to both sweet and savory recipes. From cocktails to pastries, floral syrups are versatile, bringing botanical beauty and sensory intrigue into your kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Lavender Flowers: Fresh or dried culinary-grade lavender is best. Fresh flowers provide a softer taste, while dried lavender gives a more concentrated flavor. Substitute 1/3 cup dried for 1 cup fresh if using dried lavender.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the floral notes with sweetness, creating a well-rounded syrup.
- Water: Use filtered water for a clear, clean syrup with no aftertaste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small Saucepan: For gently simmering the syrup and infusing it with lavender.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Essential for straining out the flowers and achieving a smooth, clear syrup.
- Glass Jar or Bottle: Use an airtight container for storing your syrup, preserving its freshness.
Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh or Dried Lavender Wisely: For a milder flavor, use fresh lavender; dried lavender has a more concentrated taste.
- Infusion Time is Key: Don’t over-simmer, as too much heat can turn the flavor bitter.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet syrup, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Use Food-Grade Lavender: Only use culinary lavender to ensure safety and optimal flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for freshness.
Discover the Art of Cooking with Flowers
Unleash your culinary creativity with our introduction to floral-infused cuisine. Explore the beauty, flavor, and artistry of edible blooms in your kitchen.
👉 Read The Art of Cooking with Flowers and let your dishes blossom!
Serving Suggestions
This lavender syrup is a lovely addition to hot or iced tea, a floral twist in cocktails, or a delicate drizzle over ice cream and cakes. Each serving brings the essence of lavender into your dish, like a walk through a fragrant garden. For a cozy, aromatic treat, try pairing it with my Lavender London Fog Latte: A Floral Embrace in Every Sip — it’s the perfect way to savor the magic of lavender in every sip.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore a world of floral-infused creations in our Recipe Collection and let your culinary journey bloom!
Variations and Dietary Adjustments
- Swap Sugar for Honey: For a richer, more nuanced flavor, use honey in place of sugar.
- Add Lemon Zest: For a citrusy note that complements lavender, infuse with lemon zest.
- Experiment with Other Flowers: Try substituting lavender with edible rose petals or chamomile for different floral profiles.
- Use as a Mocktail Base: Combine with sparkling water and a splash of lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
Storage Instructions
Store the syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake gently before each use.
Pairing Suggestions
Lavender syrup pairs beautifully with Earl Grey tea, lemonades, and gin-based cocktails. For dessert, try drizzling over madeleines, vanilla ice cream, or stirring into whipped cream for a floral flair. If you love the delicate balance of Earl Grey and lavender, be sure to try my Whispers of London Fog: Earl Grey & Lavender Madeleines — a delightful treat that brings these flavors together in every bite.
Closing
May this lavender syrup bring a gentle touch of floral sweetness to your kitchen and inspire moments of calm in every sip. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments below and tag your creations with #PetalPoetryCuisine. Don’t forget to subscribe for more floral-inspired recipes and culinary inspiration.
Lavender Essence Syrup: A Versatile Floral Elixir
A whisper of lavender in every drop,
A syrup so sweet, it makes the heart stop.
Infused with grace, this floral delight,
Turns every dish into pure, fragrant light.
Pour it on pancakes, or in tea,
A floral embrace, wild and free.
With lavender's essence, calm and true,
This syrup brings magic in every hue.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Lavender:
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Rinse lavender flowers gently under cold water. If using fresh flowers, pat them dry and remove the blossoms from the stems.
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For dried lavender, measure out 1/3 cup to substitute for 1 cup fresh.
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Combine Ingredients:
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In a small saucepan, add water and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until sugar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes.
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Infuse with Lavender:
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Once the sugar has dissolved, add lavender flowers to the saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the lavender essence to infuse the syrup.
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Check and Adjust:
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Taste the syrup after 5 minutes. If a stronger lavender flavor is desired, continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid over-extraction, which can make it too potent.
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Strain and Cool:
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Remove from heat and strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass jar or bottle, discarding the lavender flowers. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
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Storage:
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Serving Suggestions:
Use lavender syrup to sweeten your iced tea, add a fragrant touch to cocktails, or drizzle over pancakes, cakes, or fresh fruit. For a refined touch, garnish dishes with a sprig of fresh lavender.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 50kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate 13g5%
- Sugars 12g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Notes for Lavender Syrup Recipe:
- Use Fresh or Dried Lavender: Both fresh and dried lavender can be used in this recipe. If using dried lavender, you’ll need about 1/3 less than fresh lavender (1 tablespoon dried = 3 tablespoons fresh).
- Sweetness Level: You can adjust the sweetness of your lavender syrup by adding more or less sugar. For a lighter syrup, try using a combination of honey and sugar.
- Infusing Time: The longer you allow the lavender to steep, the stronger the flavor. For a milder floral note, steep for 10-15 minutes; for a more intense flavor, steep for up to 30 minutes.
- Storage: Store your lavender syrup in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Lavender Variety: If you’re using lavender from your garden, ensure it’s pesticide-free. You can also use culinary lavender varieties like English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for the best flavor.
- Uses: Lavender syrup is versatile! Use it in cocktails, tea, lemonade, or drizzle it over desserts like ice cream, cakes, or pancakes.
- For an Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of rosemary or a few lemon zest strips while infusing the syrup to create a complex, layered flavor.
