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    Home Β» Recipes Β» Drinks

    Purple Lavender Simple Syrup

    Published: May 17, 2022 by Michelle Β· 16 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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.

    Glass jar of Purple Lavender Simple Syrup on marble coasters.
    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

    This Lavender Simple Syrup recipe comes together very easily.

    The purple hue is really enticing, and completely all-natural (and you can easily omit it).

    It's a versatile syrup with a floral flavor and aroma that you can use in cakes, baked goods, drinks, or coffee.

    What is lavender?

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

    Is it edible?

    Yes, 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 customize the flavours to your liking.

    Other syrup recipes

    Rose Syrup

    Pandan Simple Syrup

    Homemade Lychee Syrup

    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 colour.

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

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

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

    Recipes using lavender syrup

    Earl Grey Tea Latte

    Iced Honeycomb Lavender Latte

    Opened glass jar of Purple Lavender Simple Syrup on marble coasters.

    Secret ingredient to the purple hue

    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 colour only.

    Recipes using butterfly pea flower powder:

    White and Blue Butterfly Pea Cake Roll

    Mango Jasmine and Butterfly Pea Pearl Bubble Tea

    Ingredients you'll need

    • water
    • granulated sugar: makes the syrup sweet; I used organic cane sugar which has a yellowish tinge; you can use white sugar to keep the colour more pristine
    • dried culinary lavender: dried lavender flower buds; choose organic if possible
    • 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

    Opened jar of Purple Lavender Simple Syrup with lavender and sugar on the side.
    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 β…› 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 syrup in a clean glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

    Don't store the syrup at room temperature.

    How to use

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

    Use this Purple Lavender Simple Syrup in tea or coffee drinks such as an 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.

    Or try it in cocktails.

    FAQs & expert tips

    You certainly don't need to add the butterfly pea flowers (and lemon juice) to the syrup if you don't want to.

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

    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 flavour and aroma will not be the same as freshly made.

    Other 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!

    Lavender syrup in a glass jar on marble coasters.

    Print Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    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.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 34kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • Β½ C water
    • Β½ C granulated sugar
    • 2 Β½ tablespoon dried culinary lavender flower buds organic
    • splash hot water
    • β…› teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder optional
    • a few drops lemon juice optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • 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.Β 
    • In a separate bowl, add in β…› teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder and a splash of hot water. Stir to dissolve.Β 
    • 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.Β 
    • Transfer to a clean glass jar and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

    Notes

    Yield: 1 jar of syrup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 9g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!

    Jar of purple lavender syrup on marble coasters with sprigs of lavender flowers, with text overlay.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jade

      August 10, 2019 at 1:36 am

      Hi, I love anything lavender as well and want to try making this. Where do you buy your lavender from and what brand do you use?

      Reply
      • siftandsimmer@gmail.com

        August 10, 2019 at 8:56 am

        Hi Jade,

        I used a certified organic culinary lavender for my syrup. I'm not sure where you're based, but the brand I used is South China Seas which is located in Vancouver, BC (it appears the lavender they have is no longer certified organic). You can get it online from Amazon (just search organic culinary lavender), or check the local farmers markets in your area -- there may be some vendors that carry it. Hope that helps! Let me know if you try it πŸ™‚

    2. Sara Welch

      March 22, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      Simple syrup could not be any more...simple! Loved this recipe; easy and delicious, indeed!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 22, 2021 at 7:31 pm

        Exactly, thanks Sara! πŸ™‚

    3. Emily Liao

      March 22, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Can't believe how easy this was to make! So delicious with a beautiful lavender taste.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 22, 2021 at 7:32 pm

        Thank you Emily! Glad you enjoyed it!

    4. Tara

      March 22, 2021 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      What an absolutely gorgeous color! I love how you made it with the butterfly pea flower powder. I used to grow lavender years ago. This is really making me want to start again.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 22, 2021 at 7:33 pm

        Thank you Tara! Butterfly pea flower is so much fun πŸ™‚

    5. Michelle

      March 22, 2021 at 2:53 pm

      5 stars
      I love lavender and can't wait to try this simple syrup. It's going to be great in cocktails!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 22, 2021 at 7:33 pm

        Thank you Michelle! Yes! Such a great idea! πŸ™‚

    6. Biana

      March 22, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like such a simple and delicious syrup, I can almost smell the lavender. Will be trying it very soon.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 22, 2021 at 7:34 pm

        Thanks Biana! πŸ™‚ Perfect for Spring!

    7. David @ Spiced

      May 18, 2022 at 4:46 am

      5 stars
      Excellent tips about culinary lavender vs. other types! I do love the smell of lavender, and I'm planning on planting some in the new house once we move this summer! I wonder if I can grow the culinary version? I'll have to give it a try! (Also, I had no idea that herbes de Provence included lavender - fun facts to know and share!!)

      Reply
    8. Healthy World Cuisine

      May 19, 2022 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      Can picture so many uses for this delicious purple lavender simple syrup. Every year we go and pick and dry culinary lavender. We are on it!

      Reply
    9. Elicia Nolan

      June 30, 2022 at 11:58 am

      Where would I find butterfly pea flower? its a powder?

      Reply
      • Michelle

        June 30, 2022 at 1:02 pm

        Hi Elicia, you can find butterfly pea flower in specialty health stores or online. It is a blue dried flower that can be sold as a powder. Suncore Foods is a brand I know that carries it.

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