Hello Lykkers, spring is the season of softness—of new blooms, warmer mornings, and light flavors that feel like sunshine in every bite. And among the flowers that quietly steal the season’s spotlight, lilac stands out—not only for its dreamy fragrance but for the calm, floral essence it brings to the kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll explore how lilacs (yes, the edible kind!) can become the heart of beautiful spring recipes—light syrups, gentle infusions, and floral touches that feel special without being fussy.
Whether you’re gathering petals in a garden or picking up a bundle from a local market, these recipes will bring spring’s charm directly to your plate.
Lilac-Infused Syrup
Video: Michaela Schmid
<h3>Part 1: Lilac-Infused Syrup and How to Use It</h3>
Let’s start with something that will become your spring kitchen staple: lilac syrup. It’s simple to make and endlessly useful—drizzle it over yogurt, stir it into tea, or spoon it onto warm toast. You’ll need about:
1 loosely packed cup of lilac blossoms (around 20g), cleaned and de-stemmed
200ml water
150g sugar
1 tsp lemon juice (helps keep the color bright)
Begin by gently rinsing your lilac blossoms under cold water, then pat them dry on a clean towel. Remove any green stems—just the petals are used for the syrup.
In a small saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a light simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the lilac blossoms and lemon juice. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it steep for another 20–30 minutes.
Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar. The result? A pale, fragrant syrup that smells like a spring garden and tastes like sunlight. Store in the fridge and use within a week.
<b>Tip:</b> The longer you steep the blossoms (up to an hour), the deeper the floral notes will be.
<h3>Part 2: Ideas, Memories, and Floral Magic</h3>
Now that you’ve made your lilac syrup, Lykkers, here’s how to turn it into something memorable—both for taste and for the way it makes you feel.
<b>Serving Suggestions:</b> Pour a little syrup over oatmeal with sliced banana and coconut flakes. Add a spoon to sparkling water with a few frozen blueberries for a soft lilac spritzer. You can also mix it into a fruit salad or layer it into chia pudding with edible flowers.
<b>Pairing Flavors:</b> Lilac pairs well with lemon, vanilla, honey, berries, and herbs like mint or basil. If you're baking, drizzle it over lemon loaf or swirl it into muffin batter before baking.
<b>A Lykker’s Story:</b> One Lykker told us they first made lilac syrup on a quiet Sunday morning after a neighborhood walk. They served it on pancakes with warm tea while sunlight poured through the window. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about presence, season, and a small, sweet ritual that stayed with them for months.
<b>Decorative Touches:</b> Add fresh lilac petals to ice cubes for a beautiful surprise in spring drinks. Garnish smoothie bowls or morning toast with a sprinkle of edible flowers and a touch of your syrup.
<b>More to Try:</b>
– Make lilac lemonade with fresh lemon juice, lilac syrup, and still or sparkling water.
– Infuse the syrup into plant-based milk and pour over ice for a floral milk tea.
– Add a few petals to your next salad along with citrus and greens for a soft bite of floral freshness.
So Lykkers, as the lilacs bloom, don’t just admire them—invite them into your kitchen. They bring color, calm, and a gentle sweetness that feels perfectly timed with spring’s return. Whether you’re making a syrup, crafting a beautiful bowl, or just decorating a simple snack, lilacs remind us to enjoy things slowly and with heart.