How to make Lavender Simple Syrup with Coconut Sugar
Simple Syrup is great to have on hand for hot or iced drinks and glazes for baked goods. Using coconut sugar instead of white sugar is a great swap for a healthier and richer syrup.
Ways to use simple syrup
Coffee shops add flavoured syrup to coffee, teas and lattes, especially iced drinks and lemonades. In baking, depending on the thickness, simple syrup is often used to soak sponge cakes and pound cakes to moisten them. Bakers also use simple syrup to glaze baked goods, preserve fruits or add to ice cream. Alcohol or flavoured extracts can be added to simple syrup to give it an extra flavour kick, and also to act as a preservative Barkeepers used the classic simple syrup to sweeten and thicken drinks, and flavoured simple syrup to add interesting tastes to their cocktails.
Coconut Sugar vs. White Sugar
Coconut sugar is a natural sugar derived from the flowers cocos nucifera (coconut trees). Unlike white sugar, the only processing coconut sugar endures is when the coconut sap is heated to evaporate it’s water content. Meaning there are no additives, bleaching, or any chemicals needed to make it. Even though it’s made from coconut trees, there is not even a hint of coconut flavor. It tastes more similar to brown sugar with a hint of caramel. You can find coconut sugar a Trader Joe’s or any health food store.
Do I use fresh or dried lavender?
When choosing your lavender blossoms for this lavender syrup recipe, either fresh or dried are good options. If you decide to use fresh lavender, make sure to use unopened buds that have not flowered completely —opt for the buds that are bright purple but still tightly wrapped. You can also use our dried lavender, which we offer in a variety of sizes. Rest assured that our lavender is all organic and never treated with harsh chemicals or pesticides.
Ratio
The thinner the syrup the better it works for glazing cakes and cookies, this would be a simple syrup ratio of 3:1.
A medium simple syrup is perfect for sweetening hot or iced beverages, a simple syrup ratio of 1:1.
Thick or Rich Simple Syrup is bartender’s favourite and is usually used as the basis for cocktails. They are made with a ratio of 1 part water and 2 part sugar, a ratio of 1:2. This ratio has two advantages: first, you can use a much smaller amount of simple sugar per drink, which reduces the volume of water per cocktail while still giving it the necessary sweetness. Also, rich simple syrup lasts much longer in the refrigerator.
How long will it last?
flavored simple syrup is best fresh but it will have a shelf life of 3-14 days refrigerated. You can lengthen the shelf life by adding a neutral spirit or increasing the ratio of sugar to water.
Lavender Simple Syrup with Coconut Sugar Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup water
1 1/3 cup coconut sugar
4 tablespoon fresh or dried lavender flowers
INSTRUCTIONS :
Bring water and lavender to a boil. Once it starts boiling, stir in the sugar and keep stirring until fully dissolved.
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to steep for at least an hour while the flavors develop.
Strain out the lavender and pour the mixture into a clean airtight glass container. Store it in the refrigerator. It will be good for at least a week.
NOTES:
The recipe makes a very sweet and thick syrup. It will yield just over 1 cup. If you would like to make more, simply double the ingredients. The lavender notes are light, but if you prefer a stronger floral note, you can always add more lavender flowers. Make it to your preference!
Happy cooking! If you tried this recipe let us know how it went in the comments and tag #neuschwandersrecipes on Instagram!
