Cooking and Making Drinks with Lavender

Understanding Lavender’s Flavor Profile

Lavender has a floral and slightly bitter taste, which is why it should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering a dish. Its complex aroma is enhanced by natural compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool, which give it a slightly alkaline floral scent.

While lavender oil is sometimes used in desserts and herbal liqueurs, it should always be food-grade and used in tiny amounts, as its potency can be overwhelming.

Best Culinary Pairings with Lavender

Lavender pairs well with a variety of herbs, fruits, and spices, making it a versatile ingredient in both food and beverages. Some of the best pairings include:

🌿 Herbal Pairings

• Rosemary, thyme, chamomile, elderflower, hibiscus
• Lemon balm, sage, peppermint (especially in herbal wines)

🍽️ Food Pairings

• Savory Dishes: Lavender works in vinaigrettes, salads, soups, and stews.
• Baked Goods: Commonly used in sugar cookies, shortbread, and scones.
• Cheese: Lavender blossoms are used to flavor cheeses, especially in Australia.

🍹 Beverage Pairings

• Wine: Lavender enhances the floral notes in herbal wines, creating a complex and aromatic flavor.
• Lemonade & Teas: The flowers can garnish iced drinks or be steeped for added depth.
• Cocktails: Lavender adds a slightly bitter floral note to classic liqueurs like Benedictine and Chartreuse.

Cooking with Lavender: Recipes & Ideas

Lavender’s delicate, fragrant qualities make it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate it into your cooking:

1. Lavender-Infused Vinegar

• Steep lavender flowers in apple cider or white wine vinegar for a fragrant infusion.
• Use in salad dressings, marinades, or as a drizzle over roasted vegetables.

2. Lavender Honey

• Add dried lavender flowers to raw honey and let it infuse for a few weeks.
• Perfect for drizzling over yogurt, cheese, or warm biscuits.

3. Lavender Shortbread Cookies

• Add finely minced lavender flowers to your classic shortbread recipe.
• The floral notes pair beautifully with butter, sugar, and vanilla.

4. Savory Uses of Lavender

• Mix minced lavender with rosemary and thyme for a flavorful seasoning rub.
• Use in homemade vinaigrettes or add a pinch to roasted meats for a subtle floral twist.

Making Drinks with Lavender: Teas & Cocktails

Lavender’s aromatic complexity makes it a wonderful addition to teas, herbal infusions, and cocktails. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy lavender in beverages:

1. Lavender-Infused Syrup

• Combine water, sugar, and dried lavender flowers in a saucepan.
• Simmer until dissolved, then strain and store for use in cocktails, teas, or lemonade.

2. Lavender Lemonade

• Add lavender syrup or steep dried lavender in warm water before mixing with fresh lemon juice and honey.
• Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender for a beautiful presentation.

3. Herbal Wine with Lavender

• Combine lavender, elderflower, hibiscus, and lemon balm to create a fragrant herbal wine.
• Lavender brings out the complexity of the wine’s floral notes.

4. Cocktails with a Lavender Twist

• Add a splash of lavender syrup to a classic gin and tonic for an herbal twist.
• Incorporate a few drops of food-grade lavender oil in Benedictine or Chartreuse-based cocktails.
• Muddle lavender into a whiskey sour or lavender martini for a floral touch.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Lavender in Your Kitchen & Bar

Lavender is a delicate yet powerful herb that enhances both food and drink recipes with its unique floral aroma and subtle bitterness. Whether you’re making lavender-infused honey, baking shortbread cookies, or crafting botanical cocktails, this herb can bring elegance and depth to your culinary creations.

At Angie’s Gardens, we provide high-quality lavender teas, herbs, and herbal blends to help you explore the magic of lavender in cooking and beverages.

🌿 Ready to experiment with lavender? Explore our selection of herbal products and start creating your own lavender-infused recipes today!