Be sure to use lilacs that have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals.

Syrup will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator stored in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

The act of pouring the hot syrup over the jar of blossoms will cause the blooms on the very top to brown. This will give the syrup a little color. You could also throw a few blueberries or blackberries in your saucepan with the water and sugar to add some purple tint. Just be sure to remove them before pouring the syrup into the jar. Or, you can try a few drops of purple food coloring.

Another noteworthy tip is that it’s best to use scissors to trim off the blossoms. By using your fingers to pull them from the stems, you will run the risk of getting the green stems in your syrup, and those can impart a rather bitter flavor if you get too much of them in the syrup. The best way I have found to prevent that is to cut them off with scissors right above the green part of the stem.

This syrup is wonderful in tea, and even hot chocolate. It is great for lemonade or cocktails too. If you are looking for a unique gift, this is definitely something to give to someone that loves floral flavors.