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You are here: Home / Cook / How To Make Lilac Syrup

How To Make Lilac Syrup

April 10, 2017 by Jenny Gomes 15 Comments

Lilacs are arguably the most lovely, fragrant, and iconic springtime flowers. This post will share how to make a simple syrup to add fragrance and flavor to the tea, cocktails, and more in short order. I will also explain why the syrup is NOT a pretty purple color. Here’s how to make Lilac Syrup!

How To Make Lilac Syrup

This spring, I was determined to do several things with flowers that I hadn’t done in the past. One item on my floral to-do list was to make lilac syrup. As soon as the very, very old lilacs on the family ranch started blooming, I headed over with a pint jar and in about 10 minutes of picking, I had enough to make syrup.

Before picking, I did a little research. Many photos online of lilac syrup were of a vibrantly hued purple liquid. I thought that perhaps the flowers would hold their color when simmered, but I was skeptical.

I am guessing that those photos I saw, and that you may have seen, have been edited to maintain a vibrant purple hue. I could have fiddled with adding blueberries or food coloring but I didn’t fool with it. It wasn’t an unappetizing color and I’d argue that many of us should get used to a more naturally colored plate.

I also would guess that are some crafty folks out there who chose purple lilac flowers over their white or pink cousins because, consciously or unconsciously, they had seen the bright purple color and thought purple was the go-to bloom. I chose purple because they bloom first but now I know, as I’ll explain below, the color matters not.

I picked the flowers not one at a time, but by the pinch-full, and found that to be a quick method.

I picked what I guessed to be an overflowing cup full and headed home.

Lilac Syrup: A Simple Syrup For Floral Flavor | A Domestic Wildflower click to read how to make homemade lilac syrup. Use it in tea, cocktails, cake frosting, and more! Such a simple tutorial!

The flowers spent the night in the fridge without any ill effect.

How to Make Lilac Syrup

Give flowers a once over for stems and rinse if appropriate.

Measure your flowers. Don’t pack tightly into a cup, but smoosh down a bit. Let’s say you picked 1 cup of flowers for this ratio.

Combine equal parts water and sugar (1 cup + 1 cup) in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk and heat until sugar dissolves. Do not bring to a rolling boil.

Add lilac flowers. Simmer gently for 10 minutes. The flowers will wilt within minutes, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you will notice that the syrup is a greenish brown color. That is appropriate.

Remove from heat and strain. I used a mesh strainer like this one.

Decant into a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator.

Add syrup to:

Tea (I found it delicious in peppermint)

Cake frosting

Cocktails (vodka or gin)

Sparkling water

One way I discovered how to use this floral syrup is in cocktails.

I have found this syrup to be a delightful addition to any cocktail, even in a mixture as simple as 1 part syrup, 1 part libation, and 3 sparkling water. You won’t want to choose really strong-flavored alcohol, as the floral taste will be lost. Think vodka, or with juices like white grape or pear.

I absolutely love helping you think of ways to add more handmade and homemade into your life, and when it is your turn to host guests I want you to feel ready! I created a FREE Shrub Making Email Course where I pop into your email inbox with lessons about how to make homemade cocktails with fruit and vinegar syrups called shrubs.

Shrubology: Refreshing homemade fruit & vinegar syrups for cocktails | The Domestic Wildflower This ebook explains how to make these old fashioned fruit and vinegar syrups that are easy to make, versatile in cocktails where you can add or skip the alcohol and make homemade cocktails perfectly attainable, even if you don't cook! Grab the ebook now and learn how to make these sweet tart gems! Did I mention they are "no cook"?

I want to help you become the hostess you have always dreamed of being in the FREE Shrub Course. Sign up here!

What else could you add this lovely syrup too, Dear Readers? Share in the comments below! If you loved this flower-theme, hold on to your shorts. I have big plans for honeysuckle, more lilacs, roses, and more. Stay tuned 🙂

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Comments

  1. Carla says

    August 9, 2016 at 11:05 am

    Homemade ice cream!

    Reply
    • Jenny says

      August 9, 2016 at 11:37 am

      That’s a great idea!

      Reply
    • Toni Porter says

      May 15, 2017 at 10:24 pm

      Do tell! How do you make this?

      Reply
      • Jenny says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:47 am

        Toni I have a great recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream- search it in the side bar! And, you’ll see the recipe for homemade vanilla extract too!

        Reply
      • Jenny says

        May 16, 2017 at 8:48 am

        Here’s the link! https://thedomesticwildflower.com/vanilla-ice-cream/

        Reply
        • Toni Porter says

          May 16, 2017 at 10:34 am

          Your awesome thank you!

          Reply
          • Jenny says

            May 16, 2017 at 10:36 am

            My pleasure! Try the extract too; it makes it extra good!

          • Toni Porter says

            May 16, 2017 at 12:07 pm

            I have made vanilla extract and will never go back to store bought again! Absolutely worth the time it takes! I love the DIY recipes using natural ingredients! Have you tried the lilac recipe with the white lilacs?

          • Jenny says

            May 16, 2017 at 12:19 pm

            I have not! Let me know if you do; I bet it would be really fragrant!

  2. Jackie says

    May 1, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    How long will the Lilac syrup last in the fridge

    Reply
    • Jenny says

      May 2, 2017 at 6:59 am

      1 month!

      Reply
      • Jackie says

        May 2, 2017 at 7:07 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
        • Jenny says

          May 2, 2017 at 7:47 am

          My pleasure Jackie!

          Reply
  3. Audrey says

    May 10, 2017 at 3:50 am

    Hi, I Will try your recipe because I make lilac sirup in a week… so I am interested to make it faster. I just want to tell you that the purple color come when you add some lemon juice… 😉

    Reply
    • Jenny says

      May 10, 2017 at 7:03 am

      Ha ha Audrey! Sorry but mine is just not purple! Enjoy ?

      Reply

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Shrubology Ebook

Shrubology: Refreshing Homemade Fruit and Vinegar Syrups for Cocktails
Make easy, no-cook fruit & vinegar syrups for cocktails & mocktails! This ebook shares crowd pleasing recipes and simple to understand ratios so you can make a shrub on your countertop any time- without a recipe. Dive into these Prohibition Era drinks today!

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