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You can make lavender extract at home using just a few simple ingredients and a little patience.
It’s one of those DIY projects that feels fancy but is actually incredibly easy to pull off.
Whether you want to use it for baking, skincare, or aromatherapy, making lavender extract gives you a versatile ingredient you can enjoy year-round.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make lavender extract step by step, plus some tips on the best methods and how to store it properly.
Let’s dive in.
Why Make Lavender Extract?
There are plenty of reasons to make lavender extract at home.
First, when you make lavender extract yourself, you know exactly what’s in it.
No hidden preservatives, no artificial additives, just pure lavender goodness.
Second, making lavender extract is way cheaper than buying those tiny bottles at specialty stores.
A small bottle of culinary lavender extract can cost you $10 or more, but when you make lavender extract at home, you can produce a much larger batch for just a fraction of the price.
Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own homemade lavender extract from scratch.
How to Make Lavender Extract: Two Easy Methods
There are two main ways to make lavender extract, and both are beginner-friendly.
You can make lavender extract using alcohol or you can make lavender extract using glycerin.
Let’s break down both methods so you can choose the one that works best for you.
1. The Alcohol Method
The alcohol method is the most traditional way to make lavender extract.
It extracts the oils and flavor compounds from the lavender buds very effectively.
Here’s what you’ll need to make lavender extract this way:
– Dried lavender buds (about 1/4 cup)
– Vodka or another neutral spirit (1 cup)
– A clean glass jar with a lid
Simply combine the dried lavender buds and vodka in your glass jar.
Seal it tightly and give it a good shake.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Shake it every few days to help the extraction process along.
After the steeping period, strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Pour the finished lavender extract into a dark glass bottle for storage.
2. The Glycerin Method
If you want to make lavender extract without alcohol, glycerin is your best bet.
This method is great for those who want an alcohol-free lavender extract for skincare or for kids’ projects.
To make lavender extract with glycerin, you’ll need:
– Dried lavender buds (1/4 cup)
– Vegetable glycerin (1 cup)
– Distilled water (1/4 cup)
– A clean glass jar with a lid
Combine the glycerin and distilled water in your jar, then add the lavender buds.
Seal and shake well.
Let it sit in a cool, dark spot for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Strain and bottle your homemade lavender extract just like with the alcohol method.
Tips for Making the Best Lavender Extract
Now that you know how to make lavender extract, here are some tips to get the best results.
1. Use Dried Lavender Buds
Always use dried lavender buds when you make lavender extract.
Fresh lavender contains moisture that can cause mold or spoilage during the steeping process.
Dried buds are concentrated and safe for long-term extraction.
2. Choose High-Quality Lavender
The quality of your lavender directly affects the quality of your extract.
Look for culinary-grade dried lavender buds that are fragrant and brightly colored.
If you can grow your own lavender, even better.
When you make lavender extract from homegrown buds, the flavor and aroma are unmatched.
3. Be Patient During Steeping
You might be tempted to rush the process, but don’t.
When you make lavender extract, the flavors need time to develop fully.
Four to six weeks is the sweet spot.
If you can wait even longer, the extract will become even more potent.
4. Store It Properly
Once you make lavender extract, store it in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
Keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
When stored correctly, your homemade lavender extract can last for years.
How to Use Your Homemade Lavender Extract
So you’ve learned how to make lavender extract, now what?
Here are some of the best ways to use it.
1. In Baking and Cooking
A little lavender extract goes a long way in the kitchen.
Add a few drops to cakes, cookies, icings, or even lemonade.
It pairs beautifully with vanilla, honey, and citrus flavors.
2. In Skincare Products
Lavender extract is a popular ingredient in DIY lotions, creams, and bath salts.
Its soothing properties make it perfect for calming irritated skin.
3. In Aromatherapy
You can add a few drops of your lavender extract to a diffuser or homemade room spray.
The calming scent helps promote relaxation and better sleep.
So, How Do You Make Lavender Extract?
You can make lavender extract by steeping dried lavender buds in either alcohol or glycerin for several weeks.
It’s a simple process that rewards you with a versatile, aromatic ingredient for cooking, skincare, and beyond.
Whether you choose the alcohol method or the glycerin method, the key is using quality lavender and giving it enough time to infuse.
Once you make lavender extract at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from a store.
Happy extracting.