Lavender Simple Syrup

A floral simple syrup with cane sugar, lavender, lemon peel, and a pinch of salt. Taste as it steeps so the lavender stays fragrant rather than perfumey.

Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cane sugar, dried lavender, lemon peels, and pinch of salt, then turn off the heat.

Stir to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture steep. Stir and taste every few minutes until the flavor is right, usually 5–10 minutes.

Do not over-steep: too much lavender extraction can give the syrup an unpleasant perfume taste. As soon as the flavor is right, strain out the lavender and lemon peels, then let the syrup cool.