Sweet & Simple: How to Make Lavender-Infused Syrup for Drinks
Lavender isn’t just a treat for the eyes and nose—it’s also a delicious way to elevate your favourite drinks. Whether you're crafting a refreshing mocktail, a floral twist on your morning coffee, a soothing spritz for summer evenings, or looking for a lovely gift for a special occasion, this lavender-infused syrup is your new go-to drinks enhancer.
Delicate, aromatic, and beautifully versatile, this homemade syrup brings a hint of countryside calm to any glass. Here’s how to make it—with tips on where and how to use it, too.
Why Lavender?
Lavender’s subtle floral notes pair surprisingly well with citrus, berries, vanilla, coffee, and herbal elements like mint or rosemary. The key to using it in drinks is control: a little goes a long way, and a syrup makes it easy to add just the right amount.
Lavender flowers are ideal for infusions—safe, fragrant, and flavourful. We recommend using our culinary-grade dried lavender and lavender infused sugar.
Recipe
Makes: 250ml (1 cup)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Infusion Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup Cotswold lavender sugar
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender grains
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice (helps preserve colour)
Method:
-
Combine Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and dried lavender. -
Heat Gently
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. -
Infuse Off Heat
Remove from heat and let the lavender steep in the syrup for 20–30 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavour. -
Strain and Store
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar. Add lemon juice if using. -
Cool and Refrigerate
Let it cool completely before sealing in a glass bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to Use Lavender Syrup
Now that you have this fragrant floral syrup, here are a few ways to put it to delicious use:
Mocktails & Cocktails
- Lavender Lemonade: Add 2–3 tsp to sparkling water with fresh lemon juice and ice.
- Lavender Mojito: Muddle mint, lime, and lavender syrup, top with soda.
- Lavender Gin Fizz: Add to gin and tonic with a wedge of lemon and sprig of rosemary to garnish.
Coffee & Tea
- Lavender Latte: Add 1–2 tsp to a hot or iced decaf latte for a calming twist.
- Floral Cold Brew: Stir into your cold brew with a dash of cream.
- Lavender Earl Grey: Combine with hot tea for a double floral blend.
Enhance Water
- Add a teaspoon to still or sparkling water with ice and a lemon slice.
Tips for Success
- For deeper flavour, try adding vanilla bean or rosemary during the simmer.
- If your syrup turns greyish (lavender can do that!), a touch of lemon juice helps preserve a prettier hue.
- Use sterilised jars or bottles if you want to gift this syrup or store it a bit longer.
Final Thoughts
Lavender syrup is a lovely way to bring a floral flourish to your drinks—refreshing in summer, comforting in winter, and always a conversation starter. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s a great introduction to using edible flowers at home.
Looking for more lavender inspiration? Explore our culinary, skincare, wellbeing, gifts and home products and bring the beauty of the Cotswold countryside into your everyday summer routine.
