Lilanade – Lilac Blossom Lemonade

Written by Andrée Noye, adapted from Les Mauvaises Herbes. Reading Time: 2 minutes

A top-down view of a person preparing an herbal infusion, squeezing a lemon over a glass cup filled with purple lilac flowers and herbs on a wooden table. 📸 Les Mauvaises Herbes

Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. This lilanade (lilac lemonade) is a refreshing floral twist on a classic, with just the right balance of tart and perfumed. Perfect for garden days, full moons, or any time you want to bottle a little spring magic.

The lilac gives it a delicate aroma, a soft bitterness, and an almost whimsical colour that shifts from pale pink to golden lavender depending on your blossoms.

🌸 Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh lilac flowers (cleaned, green parts removed)

• 2 cups boiling water

• 2 to 3 tbsp organic cane sugar (adjust to taste)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Optional: lemon zest, a sprig of mint, or a splash of sparkling water for serving

  
  

🍋 Instructions

1. Infuse. Place the clean lilac blossoms in a large heat-safe jar or bowl. Pour the boiling water over them, cover, and let infuse for 1 to 2 hours.

   
   

2. Strain & Sweeten. Strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. While the liquid is still warm, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.

   
   

3. Add Lemon. Add the lemon juice and watch the colour change—it’s half the fun!

   
   

4. Chill & Serve. Let cool, then refrigerate. Serve over ice, garnished with a few extra blossoms or a lemon slice.

   
   

💡 Tips

• The final colour will vary based on your lilacs’ pigment and pH. White, pink, and purple blooms all give slightly different results.

• Want bubbles? Mix with sparkling water for a floral soda.

• It’s beautiful in cocktails or mocktails—try it with gin, vodka, or a splash of elderflower cordial.