Lilac Blossom “Honey” – A Floral Plant-Based Syrup
- Andree Noye
- May 21
- 2 min read
Translated and written by Andrée Noye, adapted from Les Mauvaises Herbes. Reading Time: 2 minutes
Each May, the lilacs remind us that beauty and comfort often arrive quietly. Their scent, fleeting and nostalgic, carries us back to childhood gardens, open windows, and soft, blooming hedges.
This recipe captures that moment in a jar—without using any animal products. It’s a fully plant-based lilac syrup with the look, texture, and gentle sweetness of honey.
Delicious in teas, sparkling water, cocktails, drizzled on crêpes or toast, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful.
✨ Ingredients
2 cups (approx. 50 g) fresh lilac flowers, stems and leaves removed
2 cups water
2 cups organic cane sugar
Juice of half a lemon
Optional: 1 tsp organic agave syrup (for a thicker, more honey-like texture)
🌸 Directions
Harvest & Prepare the Flowers. Harvest lilac blossoms on a dry day, ideally in the morning when their scent is strongest. Gently shake or rinse to remove any insects or dust. Remove all green parts (stems and leaves) to avoid bitterness.
Infuse. In a saucepan, combine the flowers with the water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let infuse for 12–24 hours at room temperature.
Strain. After infusion, strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Press gently to extract as much floral water as possible. You should be left with a delicately colored infusion.
Make the Syrup. Pour the infused liquid into a clean pot. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and optional agave or corn syrup. Stir well. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer until the syrup thickens slightly (about 20–30 minutes). Stir regularly.
Bottle. Pour into a clean, sterilized jar or bottle. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
💜 Notes & Tips
The lemon helps preserve the syrup and balances the sweetness.
The optional agave or corn syrup adds viscosity, mimicking honey's smooth flow.
Want a deeper floral flavour? Add a few elderflowers or a pinch of dried lavender to the infusion.
🐝 No Bees Harmed
This recipe is a beautiful example of plant-based crafting that respects nature’s rhythm. It’s also a wonderful way to honour lilac’s ephemeral bloom and transform it into something that lasts—at least a little while longer.
