Lilacs are a fragrant symbol of spring's definitive arrival, and that summer is soon to follow. Their unique scent can be cherished for only a few weeks every year, so take advantage and try this simple syrup recipe to prolong the magic.
Speaking of magic, lilacs are associated with getting rid of and banishing negative energy. Keep lilacs around your property to ward off harm, or bring them inside to prevent ghosts from hanging around. And since lilacs are one of the early blooms of the warmer seasons, they are considered to be a motivational energy boost to nudge you out of winter's slower pace.
I absolutely adore floral flavors such as rose and lavender, and lilac is a new favorite as well. Making lilac syrup is easy. Gather lilacs from a pesticide (and road-pollution) free source. You'll be using only the flowers, so keep in mind when picking your quantity.
The recipe is a 3 ingredient, simple 1:1:1 ratio:
1 part lilac flowers
1 part water
1 part sugar or monk fruit substitute
For my syrup concoction, I did a 2/3 cup of the ingredients above.
Instructions:
Rise your flesh lilacs under cool water to remove any dust and unwanted nature bonuses. Pick the blooms off of the branches, careful to remove any greenery at the base of the bloom. (Allowing stems and leaves adds bitterness to the syrup.) Set aside your flowers for now.
Did you find any 5 petaled flowers? They are considered good luck!
Combine water and sugar into a pot and boil for 5 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Afterward, pour in your lilac flowers, gently stir to ensure they are all covered by the syrup.
Now, most lilac syrups tend to be a little more of a brown tint than the purple you might expect. Add one drop of red food coloring and one drop of blue and stir in for that wonderful shade of purple.
Cover your pot with a lid and let steep for 2 to 3 hours. Do not allow steeping time to go much longer than that. The flowers tend to start to break down and you'll risk being left with flower decaying smell. Not ideal.
After steeping, grab a strainer and hold over your chosen syrup container. Pour the liquid into your jar or bottle (you may also need a funnel) while straining out the blossoms. Refrigerate your syrup, which should last for 2 months.
A few uses for lilac syrup:
Pour over vanilla ice cream
Add to hot or cold tea
Add to lemonade
Drizzle over shortbread cookies or scones
I hope you enjoy this amazingly magical flavor of spring! Please let me know what combination you end up adding it to!
