With just three ingredients it is quick and simple to make at home
Lavender flowers represent calmness, serenity, relaxation, and grace
The aromatic floral properties of lavender simple syrup combined with its herbal flavor add a semi-sweet essence and light violet color to beverages and cocktails.
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What are the benefits of Lavender?
Lavender has been found to have the following benefits:
- Lavender is widely used as aromatherapy, and supplements, and may be helpful with anxiety, depression, and fatigue
- It can be used to help boost sleep
- Some feel it improves skin health
Ingredients for Lavender Syrup
- Dried culinary lavender buds or Organic fresh lavender buds
- Sugar
- Water
When selecting the right lavender to use for your recipes you have two options:
- Use organically grown fresh lavender buds, if they are available, but be sure they are organic and well rinsed and cleaned before using
- Use “culinary-grade” dried lavender. There are plenty of options and we used TooGet brand which comes in a handy 4-ounce resealable bag and is 100% pure and natural
(Please refer to the recipe card for exact quantities)
What makes lavender “culinary grade”?
Lavender is considered culinary by the way it is processed. The cooking grade of lavender goes through multiple rounds of sifting. All that remains are the pure lavender buds. All stems, leaves, and calyxes have been removed from the final product.
How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup:
Lavender Simple Syrup is easy to make at home. It only takes a few minutes and provides a semi-sweet and flavorful addition to use in cocktails, coffee, cookies, baked goods, and ice cream.
- The first step is to make a simple syrup. Simple Syrup can be infused with countless amounts of different ingredients, which will provide you with numerous flavors, that will rival the best mixologist or barista recipes!
- The second step is infusing the lavender to complete the flavored syrup
How to make Simple Syrup
For a complete tutorial visit our post on How To Make Simple Syrup
Step One: Homemade simple syrup can be used as a universal ingredient for many beverages and cocktails. It is quick and easy to make with equal parts sugar and water.
Step Two: Adding lavender to make lavender syrup
- Make the simple syrup first by blending equal parts sugar and water. For this recipe, we use 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Cook over medium heat and allow the sugar to be fully dissolved into the water. Stir frequently.
- Add 3 tablespoons of lavender buds to the simple syrup and bring to a boil. Stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool for 1 hour or until you achieve the desired lavender flavor.
- Once the syrup has cooled, strain the lavender flowers and buds from the syrup. Make sure you use a fine mesh strainer. You may need to strain multiple times to remove all the particles.
- Transfer syrup to an airtight container. We like to use small glass jars or glass flasks.
- Lavender simple syrup holds up well in the refrigerator for up to one month.
PRO TIP – Strain the syrup using a fine mesh strainer for the best results. Nobody wants bits of lavender buds in their latte or scones.
Substitution ideas for white sugar
If you are looking for a substitute for white sugar here are three of our favorites. Please note that substitutions can change the flavor of the finished syrup.
White sugar will allow for a hint of purple color in your finished syrup. When you use a substitute with a darker color the finished syrup will take on a darker color
- Honey – makes a lovely substitute for white sugar. Honey has its own distinctive flavor and your syrup will have more of the flavor of honey in the finished product. Try lavender honey for a more forward flavor. Keep in mind that honey is much sweeter than sugar so use 1/2 to 2/3 cups of honey for every one cup of sugar.
- Coconut Sugar – This makes a great substitute for white sugar. It is a 1:1 ratio, meaning one cup of coconut sugar for one cup of white sugar. Some people believe since coconut sugar is plant-based it is more natural.
- Light Brown Sugar – This is the easiest substitute for white sugar. To substitute use a 1:1 ratio of brown sugar to white sugar. Note that your syrup will take on a darker color using light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar is not recommended.
Culinary Grade vs. Fresh Lavender
We tested both culinary-grade and fresh-picked organic lavender. The taste was the same but the color was more vibrant with the fresh lavender. Here are side-by-side comparison photos:
Best way to store Lavender Simple Syrup
After you have strained all the lavender flowers and buds from the syrup, pour the syrup into an air-tight container or jar.
Lavender simple syrup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to one month.
FAQ: Why is my lavender syrup bitter?
If you let the lavender simmer and steep too long it can take on a bitter note, so be sure to limit your simmering to 15 minutes and your steeping to no more than one hour.
Additional cocktails using simple syrup or infused simple syrup
- Cucumber Mint Cocktails
- Blueberry Vodka Cocktail
- Lemon Drop Martinis
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- Blackberry Champagne Cocktail
Lavender Syrup
Equipment
- 1 Medium sauce pan
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
Lavender Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tbsp Dried Lavender buds or Organic Fresh Lavender buds food grade
Instructions
- Make your simple syrup first by blending equal parts sugar and water. For this recipe use 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.
- Add 3 tablespoons of Lavender buds to simple syrup and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool for 1 hour or until you achieve your desired lavender flavor.
- Once syrup has cooled strain the lavender flowers and buds from the syrup. Make sure you use a fine mesh strainer. You may need to strain multiple times to remove all bud particles.
- Transfer syrup to an air tight container.
- Lavender simple syrup holds up well in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Notes
White sugar will allow for a hint of purple color in your finished syrup. When you use a substitute with a darker color the finished syrup will take on a darker color
- Honey – makes a lovely substitute for white sugar. Honey has its own distinctive flavor and your syrup will have more of the flavor of honey in the finished product. Try lavender honey for a more forward flavor. Keep in mind that honey is much sweeter than sugar so use 1/2 to 2/3 cups of honey for every one cup of sugar.
- Coconut Sugar – This makes a great substitute for white sugar. It is a 1:1 ratio, meaning one cup of coconut sugar for one cup of white sugar. Some people believe since coconut sugar is plant-based it is more natural.
- Light Brown Sugar – This is the easiest substitute for white sugar. To substitute use a 1:1 ratio of brown sugar to white sugar. Note that your syrup will take on a darker color using light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar is not recommended.
Nutrition
This gorgeous cooler is made with vodka, cucumber, mint simple syrup, lime juice, fresh mint, and topped with sparkling water. If you are looking for a perfectly light, clean-tasting drink this is it!
You can also make a great cucumber mocktail with this recipe by simply omitting the vodka
We LOVE to make these drinks during the summer and serve them with a bowl of tortilla chips and Salsa Verde or Pineapple Salsa.
Ready to get started? Just click on our ”Jump To Recipe” button below to go straight to the recipe card. For tips, processes, and substitutions keep reading. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for details. We only recommend products to you that we love ♥️ and use.
Jump to RecipeCucumber Mint Cocktail ingredients:
Be sure to use the freshest ingredients for this cocktail. This drink tastes like summer in a glass and the freshest produce works best.
- Cucumbers – we used small cucumbers, also called Persian cucumbers, but any type will work
- Simple Syrup Infused with Mint – the secret ingredient for lots of added mint flavor!
- Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice – makes sure to use fresh, not bottled, lime juice
- Vodka – use cold vodka for the best results and a super chilly drink
- Sparkling Water – plain (or try lime flavored)
- Fresh Mint – you’ll need one bunch for leaves and sprigs
How to make Simple Syrup with Mint
The secret to this amazing drink is the simple syrup infused with fresh mint leaves.
Simple syrup is easy to make and you can add any flavor you like. Simple syrup is great to have on hand when making cocktails. To learn more about infusing simple syrups with flavor visit our step-by-step How to Make Simple Syrup post.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- In a small saucepan combine equal parts water and sugar
- Bring to a low simmer and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved
- Add the mint leaves
- Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let steep for about 15 minutes
- Let cool until ready to use, whisk again, and then strain into a measuring cup
- Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one month
How do you know when simple syrup is done?
The best way to test if all of the sugar is completely dissolved is to carefully scoop up a small amount of the hot mixture with a spoon. There should be no sugar crystals remaining in the liquid. If you see any then just boil a little longer until all of the sugar dissolves.
How to make Cucumber Mint Drinks (with Vodka)
- Make the mint simple syrup and cool it completely
- Finely dice cucumber pieces with the skin on
- Slice some cucumber for garnish – either slices or spears (or both) – and reserve
- Squeeze fresh lime juice into a measuring cup
- In a large cocktail shaker add diced cucumber pieces, simple syrup, and lime juice
- Muddle (smash) the cucumber pieces with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon
- Add vodka and crushed ice to the shaker
- Shake for about 30 seconds for the best results
- Remove the top of the shaker and pour everything into glasses, including the ice
- Top with sparkling water and add more ice if needed and then give it a quick stir
- Garnish with mint sprigs and cucumber rounds or spears
How long does simple syrup last?
Once cooled and refrigerated the mixture will last in the refrigerator for about 4 weeks. However, just like anything else, use your best judgment, and if it becomes cloudy it’s time to toss it and make a fresh batch.
Looking for other cocktail ideas?
- Classic Aperol Spritz
- Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
- Blueberry Vodka Cocktails
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- Blackberry Champagne Cocktail
Cucumber Mint Drink
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
Mint Simple Syrup
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 5 sprigs mint
Cucumber Mint Vodka Cocktail
- 2 Tablespoons Cucumber, finely diced
- 2 Tablespoons Mint Simple Syrup (recipe above)
- 2 Tablespoons Lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 4 oz Vodka
- 8 oz Sparkling water
- Crushed ice
- 2 Mint sprigs, for garnish
- 2 slices Cucumber, for garnish
Instructions
Mint Simple Syrup
- In a small heavy-bottom saucepan add sugar and water. Bring to a low boil, and cook until sugar dissolves.½ cup sugar, ½ cup water
- Turn off heat, stir in mint leaves, and cover the pan. Allow mixture to steep for at least 15 minutes. Strain into a glass jar and cool.5 sprigs mint
- This recipe makes 1 cup of syrup so there will be leftover. The Syrup can be kept sealed in refrigerator for 1-month.
Cucumber Mint Vodka Cocktail
- Finely dice 2 Tbsp cucumber. Cut 2 extra round or long slices for garnish.2 Tablespoons Cucumber, finely diced
- Add diced cucumber, 2 tablespoons cooled simple syrup and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle (smash) the cucumber for about 1-minute with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.2 Tablespoons Mint Simple Syrup, 2 Tablespoons Lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Add vodka and crushed ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30-seconds.4 oz Vodka, Crushed ice
- Remove the lid of the shaker and pour evenly into two cocktail glasses, including ice and cucumber pieces. (Strain if you don't want the cucumber pieces in the glasses).
- Top each glass to the top with sparkling water.8 oz Sparkling water
- Garnish with cucumber slices or rounds and a mint sprig.2 Mint sprigs, for garnish, 2 slices Cucumber, for garnish
Notes
- If you want more detailed instructions about making Simple Syrup read this full post with step by steps.
- Want a Cucumber Mocktail instead? Just omit the vodka
Nutrition
Beautiful blueberries are a great way to serve a drink that isn’t just tasty but also gorgeous! Vodka is combined with infused blueberry simple syrup and crushed ice. These vodka and blueberry cocktails are easy and perfect for a night in or great for cocktails for a crowd.
Jump to RecipeHow to make blueberry simple syrup:
To begin you will need to make a blueberry simple syrup, which takes just a few minutes to put together. The simple syrup will be the base of your drink.
- In a medium-sized pan, set over medium-high heat, add blueberries, sugar, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and break up blueberries with a slotted spoon as they start to soften
- Simmer for about 15-minutes or until you have a syrupy consistency
Blueberry Simple Syrup in process 
Blueberry Simple Syrup cooking
How long can I store simple syrup?
The recipe below makes a full batch of the syrup (enough for about 4 cocktails) but the drink recipe is for just one cocktail. If you don’t use all of it you can store it up to 1-month, in a tightly sealed mason jar, in the refrigerator.
This simple syrup is so versatile that you can substitute any fruit in place of the blueberries. Don’t worry if your favorite fruit isn’t in season, just grab a bag of frozen fruit and use that instead. Try raspberries, blackberries, strawberries or cherries.
How to make Blueberry Vodka Cocktails
The great thing about vodka is that it pairs well with any type of fruit and because it has no color your drink takes on the beautiful hue of your fruit.
Be sure all of your ingredients are cold before you start. I keep my vodka in the freezer, so my drinks are always icy cold!
- Start with plenty of ice in a cocktail shaker
- Add vodka, blueberry simple syrup, and soda or sparkling water
- Shake well and strain into a glass
- Garnish with extra blueberries and a squeeze of lemon if desired
You will need the following ingredients:
- Vodka
- Blueberry Simple Syrup
- Sparkling Water
- Ice
- Blueberries for garnish
Want to go alcohol-free?
If you have kids at your party or don’t want alcohol you can make a Blueberry Mocktail by simply omitting the vodka!
Serving suggestions:
To serve the drinks choose a short 8-ounce glass. I like to garnish with any edible flowers or shrubs I may have at the time in my garden. Rosemary sprigs always look nice. Try topping drinks with a few floating blueberries.
Frozen blueberries are a great way to garnish and help keep your drinks cold. If you find the drink a bit too sweet just add a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Looking for other great cocktails?
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
- Orange Creamsicle Martini
- Blackberry Champagne Cocktails
- Red Velvet Martinis
- White Chocolate Martinis
- Homemade Bloody Mary’s
Blueberry Vodka Cocktails
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
Blueberry Vodka Cocktail
- 1 cup ice, crushed
- 1 ½ ounces vodka, chilled
- 4 tbsp blueberry simple syrup (recipe below)
- 3 ounces sparkling water, or soda water
- 1 squeeze lemon, optional
- 4-6 blueberries, for garnish
Blueberry Simple Syrup
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
To make your drink:
- Fill an 8-ounce glass with crushed ice
- In a cocktail shaker, add more crushed ice, blueberry simple syrup, vodka, and sparkling water. Shake well and strain into glass.
- Garnish with blueberries, and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
To make Blueberry Simple Syrup:
- In a medium-sized pan, set over medium-high heat, add blueberries, sugar, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for about 15-minutes. Break up blueberries with the back of a spoon. The syrup should now begin to thicken.
- Strain into a mason jar and be sure to press on blueberries with the back of your spoon to extract all of the flavors. Discard solids. Use or let it cool completely and store, for up to 1-month, tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Makes enough for 4-6 cocktails.
Notes
- Blueberry Simple Syrup keeps sealed in the refrigerator for up to 1 month and frozen for up to 6-months.
- This simple syrup makes enough for 6-8 cocktails