Herbal Simple Syrups: Sweet, Aromatic, and Oh-So-Versatile

Simple syrups are one of the easiest ways to add a burst of flavor to your favorite beverages and desserts. With just sugar, water, and a touch of creativity, you can elevate everything from sparkling water to cocktails, mocktails, and even baked goods. But why stop at plain simple syrup when you can infuse it with the vibrant, aromatic flavors of herbs, fruit, and flowers?

In this blog, I’m sharing some of my favorite herbal simple syrup recipes that bring a delightful twist to the classic version. From the floral elegance of Lavender Simple Syrup to the sweet, fruity charm of Raspberry Rose and the tart brilliance of Hibiscus Elderberry, these recipes are as versatile as they are delicious.

While these syrups are incredibly fun to make and enjoy, it’s good to keep in mind that they are a treat best savored in moderation. Sugar is a wonderful tool for capturing and preserving herbal flavors, but balance is key. Use these syrups to add a dash of herbal magic to your drinks and desserts and enjoy the moment of indulgence with intention.

So, grab your favorite herbs and ingredients, and let’s get started on crafting these sweet, aromatic treasures. Whether you are looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, these recipes are sure to inspire creativity in the kitchen.

Lavender Simple Syrup: A Floral Hug in a Bottle

Delicate, fragrant, and oh-so-versatile, this Lavender Simple Syrup is like bottling a summer fragrance at peak bloom. Its floral bitterness adds a sophisticated twist to cocktails, teas, lemonades, or even baked goods. Whether you're crafting a calming lavender latte or shaking up a lavender gin fizz, this syrup is your secret ingredient for elegance in every sip.

Cheers to floral bliss! 🍹

• 2 cups (480 ml) organic cane sugar

• 1 cup (240 ml) water

• 1 cup (240 ml) dried lavender flowers (1 ounce, or 28 grams, by weight)

Yield: 14 fluid ounces (420 ml)

Heat the sugar and water on low heat until the sugar dissolves. Add lavender and stir well. Remove from heat, cover and let steep for 20-25 minutes. Strain and refrigerate.

This syrup will keep refrigerated for two weeks to one month.

You can also add 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) vodka to prolong freshness. Check for any signs of spoilage, including bubbling, mold, off-smells, or disconcerting floaters. Discard if spoiled.

Where to buy Lavender herb:

Any Wholefoods or co-ops stores in the bulk herbal section.

Amazon

Mountain Rose Herbal Store on-line

Raspberry Rose Simple Syrup: A Love Letter in Liquid Form

This deep crimson syrup is a sultry blend of juicy raspberries, floral rose petals, and a zesty kiss of lime. With its sweet, fruity notes and delicate floral undertones, it’s the perfect way to add a touch of romance to your drinks and desserts. Drizzle it over pancakes, swirl it into sparkling water, or mix it into a cocktail for a sip that feels downright indulgent.

• 2 cups (480 ml) organic cane sugar

• 1 cup (240 ml) water

• 1 cup (240 ml) frozen or fresh raspberries (about 5 ounces, or 140 grams, by weight)

• ¼ cup (60 ml) organic dried rose flowers (½ ounce, or 14 grams, by weight)

• Zest from 1 lime

Yield: 14 fluid ounces (500 ml)

Heat the raspberries, sugar, and water in a pot on low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved (about ten minutes). Add the roses and lime zest and simmer for an additional five minutes. Take it off the heat, cover it and let it rest for another 15 min. Strain through a fine cloth, making sure to press or wring out the raspberries while still warm to remove all solids. Lick fingers (an important step). Refrigerate and use within two weeks to one month. You can also add 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) vodka to prolong freshness. Check for any signs of spoilage, including bubbling, mold, off-smells, or disconcerting floaters. Discard if spoiled.

Where to buy Dry Rose flowers:

Any Wholefoods or co-ops stores in the bulk herbal section.

Amazon

Mountain Rose Herbal Store on-line

Hibiscus Elderberry Simple Syrup: A Potion of Elegance

Transform your drinks into something truly magical with this vibrant Hibiscus Elderberry Simple Syrup. Imagine a bottle of liquid ruby-red sunshine infused with floral whispers and citrusy zest—perfect for cocktails, mocktails, or drizzling over desserts. This syrup blends the tart brilliance of hibiscus, the earthy depth of elderberries, and the delicate aroma of elderberry flowers into a sweet creation that’s as versatile as it is delightful. Cheers!!! 🍹

• 2 cups (480 ml) organic cane sugar

• 1 cup (240 ml) water

• ¼ cup organic dry elderberry

• ½ cup organic dry hibiscus flowers

• 3 tbsp. organic dried elderberry flowers

• Zest from 1 lemon

Heat the elderberry, sugar, and water in a pot until the sugar is completely dissolved and simmer on low heat for about 10 min. Add hibiscus and lemon zest and simmer for an additional five minutes. Add elderberry flowers, stir it and take it out of the heat. Let it steep for 20-25 min. Strain through a fine cloth and transfer it into a glass bottle or jar.

Refrigerate and use within two weeks to one month.

You can also add 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) vodka to prolong freshness. Check for any signs of spoilage, including bubbling, mold, off-smells, or disconcerting floaters. Discard if spoiled.

Where to buy Dry Hibiscus flowers & Dry Elderberry:

Any Wholefoods or co-ops stores in the bulk herbal section.

Amazon - Hibiscus

Amazon - Elderberry

Mountain Rose Herbal Store on-line - Hibiscus

Mountain Rose Herbal Store on-line - Elderberry

And there you have it—three delicious herbal simple syrups to transform your drinks and desserts into something extraordinary! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating yourself to a fancy mocktail, or just experimenting in the kitchen, these syrups are so easy to make and so much fun to use.