Homemade Lavender Extract: A Simple Guide to Natural Flavor
Creating your own homemade lavender extract is a delightful way to bring a subtle floral touch to your cooking creations. Whether you’re a fan of baking, making unique beverages, or even crafting homemade beauty products, lavender extract adds a lovely, aromatic lavender flavor that’s unmistakably elegant. In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through how to make lavender extract at home, using simple ingredients and ensuring you capture the best flavor from this beloved herb.
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Ingredients Needed for Lavender Extract
Dried Lavender Buds
- Quantity: 1/4 cup
- Choose culinary-grade lavender for the best flavor and safety in consumption. Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is highly recommended because of its sweet, floral aroma and flavor that is ideal for cooking and baking. If you have homegrown lavender, that’s even better! Since I don’t have any homegrown yet, my favorite dried lavender to use is Anthony’s.
- Ensure the lavender is completely dry, as moisture can lead to mold and spoilage during the infusion process.
Vodka
- Quantity: 1 cup
- Opt for high-proof, unflavored vodka as it is effective at extracting the essential oils and flavors from the lavender without adding any unwanted flavors. The higher alcohol content ensures a more thorough extraction, resulting in a stronger and purer lavender flavor.
Supplies Needed for Lavender Extract
Glass Jar
- A clean, airtight glass jar is essential for infusing the vodka and lavender. Glass is inert, meaning it won’t react with the lavender or alcohol, ensuring the purity of your extract.
- The jar should be large enough to comfortably hold the vodka and lavender with some room to shake the mixture. We use THIS ONE for all of our extracts.
Dark Place for Storage
- Lavender extract should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight during the infusion process. Exposure to light can degrade the quality of the extract by breaking down the delicate flavors and essential oils.
- A kitchen cupboard, pantry, or cabinet that doesn’t experience frequent temperature changes is ideal.
Straining Supplies
- Coffee Filter or Fine Mesh Sieve: After the infusion period, you’ll need to strain the mixture to separate the lavender buds from the vodka. A coffee filter or a fine mesh sieve will help ensure that your extract is clear and free of any plant material.
- Cheesecloth (optional): For an extra-fine strain, you can use cheesecloth to remove even the smallest particles, ensuring a smooth, clean extract.
Labels and Marking Pens
Properly label your jars and bottles to keep track of what’s inside and when it was made. This is particularly helpful if you make extracts or other homemade items regularly. You can find the labels we used HERE.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Lavender Extract Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Supplies
Gather Supplies
First step is to ensure you have all the necessary supplies listed above: a clean glass jar, vodka, dried lavender buds, a strainer, and a storage bottle.
Measure Ingredients
Measure 1/4 cup of dried culinary-grade lavender buds. Make sure they are completely dry to prevent mold growth during infusion.
Step 2: Combine Lavender and Vodka
Fill the Jar
Place the measured lavender buds into your clean glass jar.
Add Vodka
Pour 1 cup of high-proof, unflavored vodka over the lavender buds. Ensure the vodka completely covers the buds to facilitate proper extraction.
Step 3: Seal and Store
Seal the Jar
Tightly seal the jar with its lid to prevent any evaporation and contamination.
Store Properly
Place the sealed jar in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cabinet away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve the essential oils in the lavender, which are sensitive to light and heat.
Step 4: Infuse
Shake Regularly
Give the jar a good shake every couple of days to mix the buds with the vodka, which helps to extract the flavors and oils from the lavender.
Patience is Key
Allow the mixture to infuse for a full 6 weeks. The length of time is crucial as it allows the lavender’s flavors and oils to fully meld with the vodka, creating a strong and flavorful extract.
Step 5: Strain the Mixture
Prepare to Strain
After 6 weeks, gather your straining supplies—a fine mesh sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth.
Strain the Liquid
Place your strainer over a clean bowl or measuring cup and pour the mixture through it to remove the lavender buds. If using a coffee filter or cheesecloth, you might need to strain a couple of times to ensure all plant material is removed.
Step 6: Transfer and Store
Prepare Storage Bottle
Ensure your storage bottle is clean and dry. If using a dark-colored glass bottle, it will help protect the extract from light.
Transfer the Extract
Using a funnel, carefully pour the strained lavender extract into the storage bottle. I actually use the same bottle I infused it in, just give it a good wash first.
Seal and Label
Seal the bottle tightly. Label it with the contents and the date to keep track of freshness.
Step 7: Usage and Enjoyment
Ready to Use
Your homemade lavender extract is now ready to use! Add it to baking recipes, desserts like ice cream, or even non-culinary uses such as in homemade beauty products or aromatic therapies.
Shelf Life
Stored properly, your lavender extract can last for several years. Always store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its best quality.
Non-alcoholic Version of Lavender Extract
Glycerin (Vegetable Glycerin)
Description
Glycerin, particularly vegetable glycerin, is a sweet, syrupy liquid derived from plant oils. It’s an excellent solvent for making non-alcoholic extracts due to its ability to preserve and extract flavors.
Method
Mix two parts glycerin with one part distilled water to thin it slightly. Use this mixture instead of vodka to cover the dried lavender buds in your airtight container. The process for infusion is similar to that with alcohol: let it sit for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Glycerin-based extracts are generally sweeter and thicker than their alcohol counterparts.
Vinegar
Description
Using a mild vinegar, such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, can be a good alternative, especially if you plan to use the lavender extract for culinary purposes in dressings, marinades, or sauces.
Method
Replace the vodka with vinegar and proceed as usual with the infusion process. Note that the vinegar will impart its own flavor, which might limit the use of your lavender extract to savory dishes or those where a hint of vinegar flavor is acceptable.
Water
Description
Water can be used to make a simple lavender infusion, although it won’t extract as many essential oils as alcohol or glycerin and doesn’t preserve the extract as long.
Method
Boil water and pour it over the lavender buds, allowing it to steep until it cools completely. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Use this water-based lavender extract quickly, ideally within a week or two, and keep it refrigerated.
Tips for Non-Alcoholic Extracts
- Preservation: Non-alcoholic extracts generally do not last as long as their alcoholic counterparts. Adding a small amount of an antioxidant like vitamin E can help extend their shelf life.
- Storage: Store non-alcoholic lavender extracts in the refrigerator to help maintain their freshness for as long as possible.
- Usage: Because these extracts are milder and less potent, you might need to use more of the extract than you would with an alcohol-based version to achieve the desired flavor intensity.
Uses of Lavender Extract
Culinary Uses
Baking and Desserts
Lavender extract adds a delicate floral flavor to baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and pastries. It pairs beautifully with flavors like vanilla, honey, and lemon. Try adding a teaspoon of lavender extract to your favorite recipe for a subtle floral touch.
Beverages
Enhance the flavor of tea drinks, lemonades, and cocktails with a few drops of lavender extract. It works particularly well in iced tea, a lavender latte, and even in sophisticated alcoholic drinks, providing a unique twist to traditional beverages.
Confections
Lavender extract can be incorporated into candies and chocolates, offering a surprising depth of flavor that complements sweetness exceptionally well.
Savory Dishes
While less common, lavender extract can be used in savory dishes, too. It pairs well with rosemary and thyme and can be added to marinades and dressings to lend a Mediterranean flair to meats and salads.
Aromatherapy and Medicinal Uses
Relaxation and Sleep Aid
Lavender is renowned for its calming properties. Adding lavender extract to homemade bath salts, soaps, or body oils can help soothe the mind and promote better sleep.
Skin Care Products
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, lavender extract is a beneficial addition to skincare products. It can help to soothe acne, reduce redness, and promote overall skin health.
Home Uses
Natural Air Freshener
Combine lavender extract with water in a spray bottle for a natural air freshener that not only smells good but also has a calming effect.
Cleaning Products
Lavender has natural antibacterial properties, making it a great addition to homemade cleaners for a gentle, effective, and pleasantly scented cleaning agent.
Crafts and Gifts
Perfumes and Body Sprays
Mix lavender extract with alcohol and water to create custom perfumes or body sprays that offer a light, refreshing scent.
Homemade Gifts
Small bottles of homemade lavender extract make thoughtful, beautiful gifts for any occasion, especially when paired with a recipe card for a lavender-infused dish or drink.
Health and Wellness
Stress Relief
Apply a few drops of lavender extract diluted in a carrier oil to the temples or wrists to help relieve stress and calm the senses.
Minor Burns and Bites
Lavender is known for its ability to soothe minor burns and insect bites. Mixing a small amount of lavender extract with aloe vera gel can provide cooling relief.
Tips for Best Flavor
Choose the Right Lavender
Select High-Quality Buds
Use high-quality, culinary-grade lavender buds. Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is particularly favored for its sweet, floral aroma that is not too overpowering.
Ensure Freshness
Make sure the lavender buds are fresh and aromatic. If they’ve lost their scent, they won’t impart much flavor to the extract.
Proper Preparation
Thoroughly Dry Fresh Lavender
If you’re using fresh lavender flowers, ensure they are completely dried before using them. Dry herbs prevent moisture in the extract, which can lead to mold or spoilage.
Proper Cleaning
Wash your lavender gently if it’s fresh to remove any dirt or small insects, but make sure it’s thoroughly dried afterward.
Optimal Infusion Techniques
Correct Ratio
Maintain the right ratio of lavender to vodka. Too much lavender can overpower the extract, while too little may result in a weak flavor. The recommended starting point is 1/4 cup of dried lavender buds to 1 cup of vodka.
Quality of Vodka
Use a high-quality, high-proof, unflavored vodka for extraction. The higher alcohol content will better dissolve the essential oils in the lavender, resulting in a more flavorful extract.
Airtight Container
Ensure that the container used for infusing the lavender is airtight to prevent evaporation and contamination, which could affect the flavor quality.
Aging and Storage
Sufficient Infusion Time
Allow the lavender and vodka mixture to infuse for at least 6 weeks. This time frame lets the lavender’s oils fully meld with the alcohol, deepening the extract’s flavor.
Store in a Dark, Cool Place
Keep the infusion in a cool, dark place while it steeps to protect it from light and heat, which can degrade the extract’s quality.
Gentle Handling
Shake the container gently every few days to mix the contents, which helps to evenly distribute the flavor.
Finishing and Using the Extract
Strain Thoroughly
After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all plant material. This ensures that the final product is clear and free from any debris.
Taste and Adjust
After the initial extraction period, taste the lavender extract. If it’s too strong, you can dilute it with more vodka. If it’s too weak, consider adding a few more buds and infusing for an additional week or two.
Final Tips
Experiment with Blends
For a unique twist, consider blending different varieties of lavender or adding other herbs to create a complex flavor profile.
Use Sparingly
Lavender extract has a strong flavor, so start with small amounts in your recipes and adjust according to taste.
Conclusion
Making your own homemade extract, whether it be lavender, orange or vanilla extract, is not only easy but also a great way to bring a piece of the aromatic fields of lavender into your home. Whether you’re using it to enhance your recipes or as a part of your beauty regimen, lavender extract provides a touch of old-fashioned love and care to every drop. Plus, homemade lavender extract makes for a beautiful gift, perfect for sharing with friends and family who appreciate the charm of handmade goods.
If you LOVE lavender like I do, try our recipe for a Lavender Simple Syrup!

Homemade Lavender Extract
Equipment
- 8 oz glass jar
- strainer or cheesecloth
- label
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
- 1 cup vodka
Instructions
- Gather supplies.
- Place 1/4 cup of dried lavender buds in an 8oz glass jar with tight fitting lid.
- Pour 1 cup of vodka over buds and secure lid.
- Give mixture a good shake and store in a dark, cool place for at least 6 weeks.
- Give the jar a good shake every couple of days o mix the buds with the vodka, which helps to extract the flavors and oils from the lavender.
- After 6 weeks place your strainer over a clean bowl or measuring cup and pour the mixture through it to remove the lavender buds. If using a coffee filter or cheesecloth, you might need to strain a couple of times to ensure all plant material is removed.
- Using a funnel, carefully pour the strained lavender extract into the storage bottle.
- Seal the bottle tightly. Label it with the contents and the date to keep track of freshness.
- Your homemade lavender extract is ready to use!