How to Make Lavender Vinegar

Drizzle a bit of homemade lavender vinegar over luscious fresh fruit, add some to your favorite meat marinade or combine it with a tangy salad dressing, and you'll add a new and delicious gourmet flavor to your favorite recipes. Lavender vinegar tastes wonderful, and it smells even better.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup dried lavender or 1 cup fresh lavender
• 1-qt. glass canning jar
• 2 cups white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest
• Plastic wrap
• Strainer
• Decorative jars or bottles
• 6 sprigs of fresh lavender, optional
• 3 cups red wine
• Stainless steel saucepan
• 3 tbsp. lavender buds, dried
• Airtight container

Instructions

Lavender Vinegar

1. Put 1/2 cup of dried lavender or 1 cup of fresh lavender in a sterilized 1-qt. glass canning jar with a tight lid.

2. Pour 2 cups of white wine vinegar over the lavender in the glass canning jar.

3. Stir in 2 tsp. of freshly grated lemon zest.

4. Cover the glass canning jar with plastic wrap, and attach the lid securely.

5. Place the jar in a dark, cool place and leave it for 1 month. Shake the jar daily.

6. Strain the lavender vinegar. Strain it again in order to remove all of the herbs, if necessary.

7. Transfer the lavender vinegar to decorative jars or bottles. You may add a sprig of lavender to each one.

Easy Lavender Vinegar

1. Place 3 cups of red wine vinegar in a stainless steel saucepan.

2. Add 3 tbsp. of dried lavender buds, and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the lavender vinegar to steep for 15 minutes.

4. Strain the lavender vinegar and pour it into an airtight container.

5. Store the lavender vinegar in the refrigerator and use it for cooking.