Purple Lavender Simple Syrup

This is an easy recipe for Purple Lavender Simple Syrup that is versatile for use in anything from drinks to baked goods. It gets its purple hue from a natural plant.

This first appeared on Sift & Simmer in Aug 2019. Updated May 2022.

I figured I'd dedicate a post to making my Purple Lavender Simple Syrup since I had a few requests.

Lavender is a scent that I am familiar with since my Mom grew lavender in her garden.

Why you'll love this recipe

Easy to make: this Lavender Simple Syrup recipe comes together very easily.

Beautifully-hued: the purple hue is really enticing, and completely all-natural (and you can easily omit it).

Versatile: it's a versatile syrup with a floral flavor and aroma that you can use in cakes, croissants, tea, or coffee.

What is lavender?

Lavender is a purple-bluish perennial flowering plant that is in the mint family.

Is it edible?

Like jasmine flower, osmanthus and rose, lavender blossoms are edible -- however, not all lavender is suitable for ingestion.

Culinary lavender (English or "true" lavender), which is considered an herb, is used in herbes de Provence to season chicken, for example.

What is a simple syrup?

A simple syrup is basically a sugar and water mixture in a 1:1 ratio.

The water and sugar is simmered until the sugar is dissolved.

I like a ratio of 1:1 for this recipe since I find a 2:1 ratio a little too thick.

The great thing about simple syrups is that you can easily customize the flavors, such as adding rose petals, pandan leaves, or fruit, such as lychee.

How to choose culinary lavender

You can find fresh and dried culinary lavender (usually English lavender) buds in specialty/health stores.

If it's not labeled "culinary," you may want to avoid it as not all lavender is safe for consumption.

Choose culinary lavender that is bright bluish-purple in color.

Avoid lavender that is off-purple/grey in color.

It should smell like lavender, with a bright and slightly minty aroma.

Do not use lavender essential oil in place of dried lavender.

What makes this lavender syrup purple?

Butterfly pea flowers are a beautiful blue flower that is grown in Southeast Asia.

The flowers are steeped in cold or hot water and served as a tea (also known as blue tea).

Butterfly pea flowers are known for its intense blue hue, and is affected by pH.

By adding in an acid, the blue tea will turn a shade of purple.

The butterfly pea tea does not have much taste, so in this application, we're just utilizing it for the color only.

You can use butterfly pea powder, which is ground up butterfly pea flower, or you can also use the flowers.

Ingredients you'll need

• water
• granulated sugar: makes the syrup sweet; organic cane sugar which has a yellowish tinge; you can use white sugar to keep the color more pristine
• dried culinary lavender: dried lavender flower buds; choose high-quality, organic and aromatic lavender which will give the syrup more aroma
• butterfly pea flowers: turns the syrup blue; you can use the dried flowers or ground up powder -- which is easier to use; optional
• lemon juice: changes the syrup from blue to purple, due to the acidity; only a few drops is needed; optional if not adding in the butterfly pea flowers

How to make the syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring it up to a simmer/boil.

Remove from the syrup from the heat and add in the lavender flowers to steep for about 5 minutes.

Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the syrup to remove the lavender buds.

In a separate bowl, add in ⅛ teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder and a splash of hot water. Stir to dissolve.

Add a few drops of lemon juice to the butterfly pea flower and stir until it turns purple. (Start with 1-2 drops first, and adjust according to the shade you like).

Combine the butterfly pea mixture with the lavender syrup and stir.

Transfer to a clean glass jar and let cool.

How to store

Store the lavender simple syrup in a clean glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Do not store the syrup at room temperature as it is not shelf-stable.

How to use

Lavender syrup a versatile syrup that has a pleasant floral aroma that will perk up your drink beverages or baking.

Use this syrup in tea or coffee drinks such as Earl Grey Tea Latte, or in an Iced Honeycomb Lavender Latte.

Easily add lavender flavor to double-baked croissants, or use it as a cake layer soak.

Drizzle it as a sweetener (in place of honey) in scones, pancakes, or biscuits.

Combine it with carbonated water and ice to make a quick lavender soda or lemonade.

You can also use it in cocktails or mocktails.

Other ways to add natural purple color to lavender syrup

• fresh blueberries (juice)
• fresh blackberries (juice)
• black currant juice
• elderberry juice
• sweet potato powder: note that it may clump, so it's not the most optimal choice

You can use a combination of berry juices to give it a vivid purple color. 

Use a few berries (3-5) to and macerate them while cooking the syrup in a saucepot.

Strain the berries along with the lavender and discard.

Otherwise, you can also add a touch of purple gel food coloring to enhance the color.

FAQs & expert tips

Choose dried culinary lavender, which you can store for a longer period of time.

Can I omit the butterfly pea flower?

You can omit the butterfly pea flowers (and lemon juice) to the syrup.

How long can you store homemade lavender syrup?

You can keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 1 week in a clean glass jar.

Do not store at room temperature as it has not been processed.

What does lavender syrup taste like?

It has a floral, slightly earthy, almost minty taste.

What is lavender syrup used in?

Use it as you would any sweetener.

Try it in cocktails, drinks, coffee, or baked goods.

Can you freeze lavender syrup?

I don't recommend freezing lavender syrup as the flavor and aroma will not be the same as freshly made.

Other lavender recipes you may like

Cold Brew Lavender Ice Cream

Iced Honeycomb Lavender Latte

Lemon Lavender Pound Cake

Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte/London Fog

Iced Lavender Blueberry Jasmine Tea

Let me know if you try this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below. I'd love to see what you create!