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Recipes · May 19, 2025

Homemade Lavender Syrup for Coffee Lattes or Lemonade (With Fresh or Dried Lavender)

There’s something magical about transforming a few simple ingredients into something that feels indulgent and beautiful. That’s exactly what this lavender syrup does—it takes sugar, water, and a handful of lavender and turns your coffee into something that feels special, like it came from your favorite café down the street.

Whether you’re a year-round latte drinker or someone who loves elevating your morning routine with just the right seasonal touch, lavender syrup is the kind of thing you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Lavender syrup in glass jar, in front of lavender plant in glass of water

A Café-Worthy Coffee Moment at Home

If you’re anything like me, mornings don’t need to be fast—they need to be meaningful. There’s comfort in brewing your own cup of coffee, adding a fragrant syrup you made yourself, and sipping it while the house is still quiet.

Lavender adds a hint of floral calm to your cup, like a gentle reminder to slow down. This homemade syrup also makes a thoughtful gift, and it stores beautifully in the fridge for whenever your next cozy moment strikes.


Why You’ll Love This Lavender Syrup

  • Subtle yet fragrant – The floral notes are soft, never overpowering.
  • Easy to make – Only three ingredients, no fancy equipment.
  • Versatile – Perfect in lattes, iced coffee, lemonade, cocktails, and even baked goods.
  • Elevates your everyday – Adds a delicate, beautiful touch to daily rituals.
  • Budget-friendly – A homemade alternative to expensive store-bought syrups.

🌿 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this dreamy lavender syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender or 4 tablespoons fresh lavender (like the one pictured!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended for warmth and depth)

Fresh vs. Dried Lavender: What’s Best?

You’ll notice in the photos that I used fresh lavender sprigs from my garden, and the result was fragrant and delicious. When lavender is in season, fresh is a beautiful choice, and it photographs so well.

That said, dried culinary lavender is a fantastic pantry staple to have on hand year-round. It’s more concentrated in flavor, so you’ll use half as much—and the results are consistent every time.

Tip: If using fresh lavender, simply double the amount you would use if dried. Make sure it’s pesticide-free and food safe—English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best choice for cooking.


How to Make Lavender Syrup (Step-by-Step)

  1. Combine water and sugar
    In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add the lavender
    Stir in 2 tablespoons of dried lavender—or 4 tablespoons of fresh lavender if you’re using that instead. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5–7 minutes. This allows the floral flavor to infuse into the syrup.
  3. Let it steep
    Remove the pan from heat and let the lavender steep in the syrup for another 10–15 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor. The longer it steeps, the more intense the floral notes will be.
  4. Strain
    Strain the syrup into a clean jar or bottle using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to catch all the buds. Don’t skip this part—no one wants a surprise lavender chunk in their latte.
  5. (Optional) Add vanilla
    Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract while the syrup is still warm. This adds a comforting depth and helps balance the floral notes.
  6. Cool & store
    Let the syrup cool completely before sealing. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Print

Lavender Syrup for Lattes and Lemonade

This homemade lavender syrup adds a delicate floral sweetness to lattes, lemonades, and more — perfect for elevating your favorite drinks.
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender OR 4 Tbsp fresh lavender
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract optional, but recommended

Instructions

  • Combine water and sugar:In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Add the lavender:Stir in 2 tablespoons of dried lavender (or 4 tablespoons of fresh lavender). Reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse.
  • Steep: Remove the pan from heat. Let the syrup steep for an additional 10–15 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the lavender flavor.
  • Strain:Pour the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle, straining out the lavender buds.
  • Add vanilla (optional):Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract while the syrup is still warm to add warmth and depth.
  • Cool & store:Let cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays.

Notes

Dried vs. Fresh Lavender:
Dried culinary lavender tends to have a more concentrated, intense flavor than fresh lavender because the drying process removes moisture and concentrates the oils. If you’re using fresh lavender, you’ll need to use about double the amount to achieve a similar level of flavor. This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried or 4 tablespoons of fresh, but feel free to adjust slightly based on your taste preference and how strong you’d like the floral notes to be.
Pot filled with lavender blooms and syrup

How to Use Lavender Syrup

This syrup goes far beyond coffee. It’s a lovely, fragrant addition to all kinds of drinks and treats. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

  • Stir into hot or iced lattes
  • Add a splash to cold brew or iced coffee
  • Mix into iced tea (try with chamomile or Earl Grey)
  • Stir into lemonade or sparkling water
  • Use in cocktails with gin or vodka
  • Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or lemon cake
  • Swirl into yogurt, chia pudding, or oatmeal
  • Use as a glaze on shortbread cookies or pound cake
Iced lavender latte served in glass mug, next to jarred lavender plant and coffee beans


✨ Tips, Substitutions & Storage Notes

  • Control the strength: If your first batch feels too strong, reduce steep time next time.
  • Use honey or coconut sugar: Want to switch it up? You can replace some or all of the white sugar with honey for a more earthy taste—or use coconut sugar for depth.
  • Bottle it up for gifts: Lavender syrup makes a charming handmade gift. Pour into a small glass jar, tie with twine, and add a tag for a thoughtful, garden-inspired treat.

Storage Tips

Store your lavender syrup in a sealed jar or glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays—then just thaw a cube or two whenever you want a floral twist.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of lavender?
Stick to English lavender for culinary uses. Avoid ornamental lavenders like French or Spanish—they can taste soapy or too medicinal.

Is this safe for kids?
Lavender syrup is safe in small amounts but does have a strong flavor. It’s best used in moderation or diluted in other drinks for children.

Can I use this in baking?
Absolutely! Try it in shortbread, cakes, or glazes for a delicate floral note.


Add Beauty to Your Daily Cup

Making lavender syrup is more than just a recipe—it’s a little act of beauty in your day. Whether you’re making it with dried herbs from the pantry or snipping fresh lavender from your garden, this syrup transforms simple drinks into something special.

If you’re looking to add more seasonal, nature-inspired rituals into your kitchen, this is the perfect place to start.


📸 Pin This for Later

Save this recipe to your Spring Recipes, Coffee at Home, or Herb Kitchen Ideas boards on Pinterest. Your future self will thank you on the next slow morning.

Posted In: Recipes

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