Garden-fresh lavender is a treat, but sometimes you end up with more than you know what to do with. That’s where lavender sugar cubes come in handy. These sweet, floral cubes are a simple way to add a touch of elegance to your tea or cocktails. They also make great homemade gifts for special occasions.

I recently made some for my daughter-in-law’s baby shower brunch using lavender from my garden. It was the perfect opportunity to put my homegrown herbs to good use. These sugar cubes are surprisingly easy to make, and they’re a great way to preserve that lovely lavender flavor. If you’re looking for a new project to try with your herb harvest, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful little cubes, they are easier to make than you think!

lavender sugar cubes in a clear glass sugar bowl behind a white tea cup with fresh lavender sprigs lying on the saucer.

Content may contain affiliate links. When you shop the links, we receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.

Table of Contents

Why Make Lavender Sugar Cubes?

Elevate Your Tea Game: Lavender sugar cubes are an easy way to add a touch of elegance to your tea. Whether you prefer hot tea, iced tea, or cold brew, these cubes dissolve to create a subtle floral sweetness.

Cocktail Enhancer: Don’t limit these cubes to just tea. They’re great in cocktails too. Try one in a champagne flute for a simple, elegant drink, or use them to sweeten a refreshing lavender lemonade.

A Treat for the Taste Buds: The lavender flavor is subtle, just enough to be interesting without overpowering your drink. It’s a little surprise for your taste buds.

Homemade Gift Idea: Looking for an inexpensive but thoughtful gift? These sugar cubes are perfect. They’re unique, homemade, and a thoughtful touch for the tea lovers in your life. Put a batch in a pretty jar with a bow and add it to a tea lovers gift basket!

Preserve Your Lavender Harvest: Making these cubes is a great way to use up extra lavender from your garden. Instead of letting those blooms go to waste, you’re turning them into something useful and delicious.

Top view of the lavender sugar cubes at a tea place setting.

Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients:

1 cup fine sugar or caster sugar
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds (or 2 tablespoons fresh lavender buds)
1 tablespoon water (adjust as needed)

Optional:

1-2 drops of food coloring
1/4 teaspoon clear vanilla extract or other flavoring

Note: This recipe yields approximately 25-30 sugar cubes (15mm x 15mm each). Double or triple for larger batches.

What You’ll Need:

Silicone mold or ice cube tray
Mixing bowl
Spoon for mixing

Important: Use Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) for its food-safe properties.

Optional Tools:

Bench scraper (for smoothing cube tops)

Food processor (for finely ground lavender)

The Process: Making Lavender Sugar Cubes

Prepare the Lavender
You can use either fresh or dried lavender buds. Fresh lavender has a stronger scent, but dried works well too. If you’re using fresh, make sure it’s completely dry to avoid adding extra moisture. For a finer texture, you can grind the lavender in a food processor or mortar and pestle, but whole buds work just fine.
Mix Sugar and Lavender
In a medium bowl, combine your sugar and lavender. I use about 1 tablespoon of lavender per cup of sugar, but adjust to your taste. Mix well to distribute the lavender evenly.
Add Water
Slowly add small amounts of water to your sugar mixture. You’re aiming for the consistency of moist sand – the kind that holds together when you squeeze it. It should clump in your hand but not be soggy. 1 Tablespoon should do it!
Fill the Mold
Spoon your mixture into the silicone mold. Don’t worry about making it neat just yet.
Press and Compact:
This is the important part. Press the mixture firmly into each cavity of the mold. Really compact it down – this helps the cubes hold their shape. Use a bench scraper or the back of a spoon to smooth the top.
Let Dry
Now, patience is key. Leave your mold in a dry, warm spot for at least 24 hours. The cubes need time to set and dry out completely. Once they’re dry, they should pop right out of the mold.

Notes:

I used fresh lavender picked the day before to take advantage of the brighter purple color of the buds. For longer-lasting lavender sugar cubes, use dried flowers instead.

Pressing firmly is key! Here’s what worked for me: I spooned some of the mixture in, then really pressed it down with my fingers. It seemed like the mold was full, but when I added more sugar, I was surprised how much more I could pack in there. I ended up doing this a couple of times for each cube. Trust me, your fingers might get a little tired, but it’s worth it for cubes that hold their shape.

Interested in growing your own lavender? Be sure to check out these posts:

flowering lavender with deep purple blooms.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keeping Your Cubes Fresh

Once your lavender sugar cubes are completely dry, store them in an airtight container. A mason jar works great for this, and it looks nice on your shelf too.

Best Storage Conditions

Find a cool, dry place to keep your sugar cubes. A pantry or cupboard away from heat sources is ideal. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them sticky.

How Long Do They Last?

The shelf life of your homemade lavender sugar cubes depends on whether you used fresh or dried lavender. With dried lavender, properly stored cubes can last several months. The sugar acts as a preservative, giving them a good shelf life. For cubes made with fresh lavender, it’s best to use them within a month or two. In both cases, keep an eye out for any signs of moisture, clumping, or off-smells. If they start to stick together or show any signs of mold, it’s time to make a fresh batch.

Variations and Other Sugar Cube Recipes

Beyond Lavender

While lavender sugar cubes are lovely, don’t stop there. Try other edible flowers like rose petals or chamomile. Each brings its own unique flavor and aroma to the party.

Adding Some Color

Want to make your cubes more visually appealing? Try adding a drop or two of food coloring to your sugar mixture. It’s a great way to color-code different flavors or match them to a party theme.

Extract Experiments

Homemade vanilla extract or a bit of citrus zest can take your sugar cubes in a whole new direction. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. A little goes a long way.

Sugar Swaps

Don’t feel limited to white sugar. Brown sugar can add a rich, molasses-like flavor to your cubes. Just keep in mind that it might change the color and texture a bit.

Shape It Up

Why stick to cubes? Experiment with different silicone molds to create fun shapes. Flower-shaped sugar cubes are perfect for garden parties or bridal showers. Heart shapes work well for Valentine’s Day or weddings. Just remember, smaller, more intricate shapes might be a bit more delicate, so press the sugar mixture in firmly.

Each of these variations follows the same basic process as the lavender cubes. The fun part is experimenting with different combinations to find your favorites. Don’t be afraid to get creative – you might stumble upon a winning combination!

Creative Uses for Lavender Sugar Cubes

Tea Time Treats: Drop a cube in your favorite hot herbal tea recipe or autumn blends for a subtle floral note. They’re great in iced tea and cold brew too – the lavender adds a refreshing twist.

Sweet Tooth Satisfier: Try melting a cube over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a simple way to elevate your dessert.

Drink Mixers: Use these cubes to add a touch of sweetness and flavor to cocktails or mocktails. They’re especially nice in gin-based drinks or lemonades.

Stylish Serving Tip: For a touch of elegance, present your lavender sugar cubes in a pretty glass jar or vintage sugar bowl. Place a small pair of silver tongs alongside – it’s not just for looks, it’s also more hygienic than using fingers. For an extra special touch, tie a sprig of dried lavender around the container with a ribbon. If you’re hosting a tea party, consider setting out a few different flavored sugar cubes in matching containers. It’s a simple way to add a bit of charm to your tea table and let guests customize their drinks. Consider serving these cubes with Rosemary lavender cookies for your next tea party!

A tea set up with tea pot, white tea cup and lavender sugar cubes. — Shop this pretty affordable tea pot.

Looking for more ways to use the lavender from your garden? Visit these ideas:

Making your own sugar cubes with lavender flowers is a simple yet rewarding project. Whether you’re sweetening your daily tea or preparing for a special occasion, these homemade sugar cubes add a touch of elegance and a subtle taste of lavender to your beverages.

The best part? You’re not limited to just lavender. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can experiment with other flavors, or even try your hand at sugar scrub cubes for a bit of pampering.

So go ahead, give it a try. Turn those lavender flowers from your garden into something special. Who knows? You might find that the process of making your own sugar cubes is just as enjoyable as using them.

Enjoy!