Make your own Homemade Lilac Simple Syrup that you can use in coffee, tea, desserts, cocktails, and more! With just three ingredients, you can have this delicious floral treat ready in no time!
Jump to:
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Homemade Lilac Simple Syrup recipe because it captures the delicate and enchanting aroma of lilac flowers, similar to my Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe, in a sweet and floral syrup that adds a unique touch to many culinary creations. The lilac simple syrup brings a beautiful and fragrant flavor to beverages, desserts, and cocktails just like my Blueberry Lavender Syrup.
Are Lilac Flowers Edible?
Yes, they are edible and delicious! You will need fresh, clean lilac flowers (no chemicals used) to make these recipes. You also want to pull the flowers off gently and ensure there is no stem left (the green parts).
The stem will make the flavor bitter and not nearly as good as it should be. Lilac flowers add a subtle floral flavor to a drink or food, so don't expect anything overwhelming.
How to Make Lilac Simple Syrup
Place all of the ingredients except the food coloring in a small saucepan on the stove. On medium-high heat, bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to steep as it cools completely (at least 2-3 hours). Strain the flowers from the liquid into a sealable jar or bottle. Add the food coloring, seal the container, and shake to combine.
What to Use This Homemade Syrup for
- Make a Lilac Cocktail like my Lilac Gin Cocktail!
- In coffee, tea, or lemonade. Lilac syrup makes the best lattes and iced tea!
- Put it on top of pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
- Make some Lilac Cupcakes pictured below!
- Give it as a gift!
Recipe FAQs
I use flip-top glass bottles for my homemade syrups and they work great. You can find them at most craft stores and beer-making supply stores or online.
Adding food coloring is optional to this syrup. If you don't add additional color, the syrup with be a pale yellow color. Of course, the flavor will still be the same, but if you use it for cocktails or baked goods, you won't get the same pretty purple color.
This syrup will last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Ensure it is in an air-tight container and stays cold when not in use.
More Homemade Syrup Recipes to Check Out
If you get a chance to make this Lilac Simple Syrup, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Lilac Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh lilac flowers (washed and separated from stems)
- 3-4 drops purple food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients except the food coloring in a small saucepan on the stove. On medium-high heat, bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to steep as it cools completely (at least 2-3 hours). Strain the flowers from the liquid into a sealable jar or bottle.
- Add the food coloring, seal the container and shake to combine. The syrup will last in the fridge in a sealed container for 3-4 weeks.
Notes
- This syrup will last for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Ensure it is in an air-tight container and stays cold when not in use.
- This syrup should last 3-4 weeks when stored in the fridge in a sealed container.
- Adding food coloring is optional to this syrup. If you don't add additional color, the syrup with be a pale yellow color. Of course, the flavor will still be the same, but if you use it for cocktails or baked goods, you won't get the same pretty purple color.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Jeannie says
I wish I can find fresh Lilacs here, curious about the smell when making the syrup and the taste of baked goodies. The instructions are easy to follow.
Emily says
Oh, I hope you find some someday, they smell amazing! And I'm sure you are guessing the smell is quite nice in the kitchen when making the syrup and cupcakes 😊.
Colette says
I wish I would have known that lilac flowers are edible. We had a huge beautiful lilac bush when we lived in Idaho; it smelled so good when it bloomed.
I love how easy and simple it is to make lilac syrup. I will have to try it when I have some lilac flowers again. Thanks for showing us how to make it!
Emily says
What a bummer you don't have the bush anymore but I hope you find one near your new home. Since you know how they smell, you can imagine they taste just like the flower with a little sweetness behind them. So good!
lifeofandra says
I've never thought of making anything from lilac before but I am definitely curious now. it looks phenomenal <3
Emily says
Thanks, Andra!
Leah says
I am so excited about this because lilacs are my favorite flower! I imagine the syrup would smell so good. I’m eager to see how it tastes but trust your opinion that it will be delicious! I see some buds forming on my lilac bush so just a bit more time before I can try this out.
Emily says
Yay, I can't wait either!! I hope you make these when those beautiful flowers bloom. The flavor is just like the scent, it's very mild but beautiful. Enjoy!
Nora says
I love this syrup! And only the color is the dream! But what I like most is that you can use it so versatile already! Thank you!
Emily says
I totally agree, Nora, thank you!!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
You really make me want to find a lilac tree to make all these recipes. I would love to taste lilacs!
Emily says
It's a very subtle and pretty flavor. I just think it's so fun to eat anything that grows 🤗.