Lavender Earl Grey Soda

This recipe is from my blog archives from 2014.

Lavender Simple Syrup

• 1:1:1
  lavender buds : granulated sugar of choice* : water

1. Heat water to a boil.

2. Pour sugar into the boiling water and reduce heat.

3. Stir until all sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.

4. Let the mixture cool in a clean heat proof glass jar.

5. Once completely cool, and add lavender buds.

6. Allow the lavender to infuse to your liking—48 hours is my personal preference.

7. Strain the lavender buds and store in bottle/jar of your choosing.

Simple syrups in a 1:1 ratio sugar : water will keep for about 1 month in an airtight container in the fridge. To prolong the shelf life of your syrup, opt for a 2:1 ratio sugar : water. This will keep for up to 6 months in the fridge, pre-infusion.

Once infused with lavender, the syrup will keep 2 weeks - 1 month.

Earl Grey Simple Syrup

• 1 TBSP earl grey tea

• 1/4 c granulated sugar of choice (refined white sugar, coconut palm sugar, etc.)

• 1/4 water
  

Infusion Method One

1. Heat water to a boil.

2. Pour sugar into the boiling water and reduce heat.

3. Stir until all sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.

4. Let the mixture cool in a clean heat proof glass jar.

5. Once completely cool, and add tea leaves.

6. Allow the syrup to infuse to your liking—48 hours is my personal preference.

7. Strain the leaves and store in bottle/jar of your choosing.

Infusion Method Two

1. Heat water to a boil.

2. Add tea in either a reusable tea strainer, or single use tea bags. Cover and steep for 4 minutes, then remove tea.

3. Pour sugar into the tea water and stir until completely dissolved. If needed, turn on to low heat until sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.

4. Let the mixture cool in a clean heat proof glass jar.
   

Method One is great when using a pre-made batch of simple syrup. Method Two is my preference if using immediately or within a short timeframe.

Simple syrups in a 1:1 ratio sugar : water will keep for about 1 month in an airtight container in the fridge. To prolong the shelf life of your syrup, opt for a 2:1 ratio sugar : water. This will keep for up to 6 months in the fridge, pre-infusion.

Once infused with tea, the syrup will keep 2 weeks - 1 month.

Soda

Mix a 2:1 ratio of lavender syrup : earl grey syrup, in your desired glass or pitcher and top with soda water.

For parties, consider a soda bar where your pre-mixed lavender earl grey syrup is offered up next to soda water and gin. People can mix a non-alcoholic soda to their sweetness liking, or add some gin to make it a cocktail.

Pictured garnish: lavender flower ice cubes and a coconut palm sugar glass rim.