How To Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender

You can make lavender extract from dried lavender by steeping the buds in a high-proof alcohol or food-grade glycerin until the plant’s natural oils fully infuse into the liquid.
 
This simple process turns a handful of dried lavender flowers into a fragrant, versatile extract you can use in baking, DIY beauty products, and aromatherapy blends.
 
Learning how to make lavender extract from dried lavender is easier than most people think, and it costs a fraction of what store-bought bottles sell for.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make lavender extract from dried lavender step by step, plus the best methods, ratios, and tips for getting a strong, sweet-smelling result every time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender

There are plenty of reasons to make lavender extract from dried lavender at home instead of buying it.
 
Here’s why so many people love doing it themselves.
 

1. You Control the Quality

When you make lavender extract from dried lavender, you know exactly what goes into the bottle.
 
No mystery additives, no cheap fillers, and no artificial lavender flavoring.
 
Just dried lavender buds and your chosen solvent working together.
 

2. Dried Lavender Lasts Longer

Dried lavender buds store beautifully for months, so you can make lavender extract from dried lavender whenever you need it.
 
Fresh lavender wilts fast, but dried buds keep their fragrance and oils locked in for a long time.
 
That means you can buy a big bag once and whip up a fresh batch of extract any time.
 

3. It’s Budget-Friendly

A small bottle of culinary lavender extract can cost a pretty penny at specialty stores.
 
But when you make lavender extract from dried lavender yourself, you’ll spend far less for a much bigger batch.
 

How to Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender: Step by Step

Ready to learn how to make lavender extract from dried lavender?
 
Here’s the simple method that works every time.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make lavender extract from dried lavender, you’ll need:
 
One cup of dried lavender buds (food-grade if you plan to cook with it).
 
Two cups of high-proof alcohol like vodka, brandy, or everclear.
 
A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
 
That’s it, just two ingredients and a jar.
 

2. Combine Lavender and Alcohol

Place your dried lavender buds into the glass jar.
 
Pour the alcohol over the buds until they’re fully submerged.
 
Give it a gentle stir to make sure every bud is coated, then seal the jar tightly.
 

3. Let It Steep

Store the jar in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks.
 
Shake the jar gently every few days to help the oils release into the alcohol.
 
This is the magic part of how to make lavender extract from dried lavender, because time does most of the work.
 

4. Strain and Bottle

After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
 
Squeeze the buds to get every last drop of infused goodness.
 
Pour your finished lavender extract from dried lavender into a dark glass bottle and label it with the date.
 

5. Store It Properly

Keep your homemade lavender extract from dried lavender in a cool, dark cabinet.
 
It’ll stay potent for one to two years when stored this way.
 

Alternative Methods for Making Lavender Extract

If alcohol isn’t your thing, you have other options for how to make lavender extract from dried lavender.
 
Here are a couple of great alternatives.
 

1. Glycerin-Based Extract

You can make lavender extract from dried lavender using food-grade glycerin instead of alcohol.
 
Use a ratio of one part dried lavender to two parts glycerin.
 
This version takes longer to infuse, usually eight to ten weeks, but it’s alcohol-free.
 

2. Heat-Assisted Extraction

For a faster route, gently warm the lavender and alcohol in a double boiler.
 
Keep the heat low so the alcohol doesn’t evaporate.
 
This shortcut lets you make lavender extract from dried lavender in just a few hours instead of weeks.
 

3. Vinegar Extraction

Apple cider vinegar works too if you want to make lavender extract from dried lavender for cleaning or hair care.
 
Steep the buds in vinegar for about four weeks, then strain and bottle.
 

Tips for the Best Lavender Extract

Want your lavender extract from dried lavender to turn out perfect?
 
Keep these tips in mind.
 
Always use culinary-grade dried lavender if you’ll be cooking or baking with it.
 
Choose buds over stems, since the buds hold the most oil.
 
Aim for alcohol that’s at least 80 proof for the strongest extraction.
 
Taste or smell your extract after four weeks, and let it steep longer if you want a bolder flavor.
 

So, How Do You Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender?

You make lavender extract from dried lavender by steeping the buds in alcohol or glycerin until the oils infuse into the liquid.
 
Dried lavender works wonderfully because it holds its fragrance and stays shelf-stable for months.
 
Once you know how to make lavender extract from dried lavender, you’ll never need to buy the overpriced store version again.
 
Grab some dried buds, pick your solvent, and start steeping.
 
Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your baked goods will thank you.