Lilac simple syrup has a delicate floral flavor with a light, slightly citrusy aroma. It’s perfect for spring cocktails, lemonades, or even drizzled over pancakes or yogurt. Whether you have a white, pink or purple lilac, you can make a syrup. Just triple-check that you have a true lilac that is edible.
Harvest your lilacs and gently rinse them to remove any bugs or debris. Remove the blossoms from the stems (green parts can make the syrup bitter).
In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely.
Remove from heat, let the syrup cool for a little bit, and stir in the lilac blossoms. Let steep for 30–60 minutes, tasting as you go. It may take several hours depending on your lilacs though.
Strain out the flowers using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Cool completely and store in a glass jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks max (freeze it if you have extra you want to use later).