Summer is all about fresh herbs and this year I grew a few very specific things so I can do some experimenting! With a quick trip to my garden, I whipped up lavender simple syrup and lavender mint simple syrup and, in addition to sharing the recipes, scroll down to see a couple of fun ways to use the syrup! Lavender and mint may just be my new favorite edibles.
I haven’t grown lavender for years. In fact, I don’t think we’ve had any in our yard since we lived in Colorado, over fifteen years ago. While I love the way it looks and smells, I decided to grow a pot of it this year for the sole purpose of cooking with it. Lavender flowers and leaves can be used fresh and the buds and stems can both be used dried. It adds a delicate, subtly sweet flavor to this simple syrup.
To make lavender simple syrup, you’ll need a handful of fresh lavender flowers {with stems removed}, 2 cups sugar, and 2 cups water.
Be sure the lavender you’re using has not been sprayed or treated with any type of pesticide. I don’t recommend using wild lavender that you haven’t grown yourself.
Stir the sugar and water together over low heat until the water is fully dissolved then add the lavender flowers and warm over low heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse into the sugar mixture. Don’t boil.
Remove up to half of the simple syrup, leaving the lavender flowers in the pot, and set it aside. Allow it to cool and then store it in the fridge until ready to use. Lavender simple syrup can be used to sweeten anything from beverages to muffins.
Now let’s make another variation: lavender mint simple syrup!
Add a handful of fresh mint to the remaining simple syrup and warm over low heat for 20 more minutes.
Strain the simple syrup, discarding all the lavender and mint, and store the syrups in the refrigerator until ready to use. Super quick and easy!
Now let me show you a couple of great ways to use these syrups!
Use the plain lavender simple syrup to brew an amazing lavender latte that’s perfect for summer …
… and stir the lavender mint simple syrup into a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lavender mint lemonade!
I love coffee too and have to have my morning coffee before I can do anything and I want it black. I make lavender sugar but only use dry as sometimes a mold may take over if using fresh lavender flowers. I am going to make your lavender syrup this year. I have infused vodka with dry lavender flowers and use it for many recipes, only takes a bit for flavor. I use dry flowers for this too. fill jar 1/2 full of flowers and cover with vodka leave for couple weeks cool dark place and wal-la beautiful vodka. I share my lavender with my neighbors because they love its aroma and make sachets with the dry flowers.