Lilac Tea Recipe from Fresh Lilac Flowers

Learn how to make lilac tea from sweet and fragrant lilac flowers. Hot or cold-brewed lilac flower tea is a seasonal treat that one can enjoy in springtime when lilacs are in full bloom. 

Lilacs are beautiful and fragrant flowers of various shades ranging from light pink to deep purple. Their distinctive scent is unmistakable and has a calming effect that can help soothe the mind and body, making it an excellent choice for relaxation and stress relief.

I experienced the same when making this floral tea. Despite having a busy schedule that day, I took a break and enjoyed a cup of lilac tea the whole afternoon while reading my favorite book.

Every year, I eagerly anticipate the blooming of lilacs, as they are one of my favorite edible flowers. Nothing quite like the pleasure of transforming their fragrant petals into syrup or jelly, adding a delightful flavor touch to any dish. 

What is Lilac Tea like?

Lilac tea is a delicate and fragrant herbal tea made by brewing fresh or dried lilac flowers in hot or cold water. The tea has a light and subtle flavor with a floral sweetness reminiscent of the lilac flower’s natural scent. The color of the tea can range from pale pink to light purple, depending on the variety of lilac you use.

Health benefits of Lilac Tea?

This floral tea carries lilac’s flavor, color, and medicinal benefits.

Lilac infusion, like lotus, is known for its calming properties and is often enjoyed as a soothing beverage before bed or during relaxation. The tea is also rich in antioxidants that help to protect the body against harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation. Whether hot or cold, lilac infusion is a refreshing and easy way to incorporate this edible flower into your diet and improve your well-being.

Bring visitors to your Instagram feed with these beautiful lilac blossom quotes.

In addition, Lilacs are naturally astringent, help tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles and pores. I love to infuse them in oil and use in toners or anti wrinkle creams.

Are lilac flowers edible?

While we enjoy lilac beauty in gardens or use them to decorate our interior, few people know that lilacs are edible. 

Any fresh petals always brighten the plate and turn ordinary dishes into a delicacy. These simple recipes include red clover, violets, sakura blossoms, or dandelions. Fresh petals are great for garnishing cocktails, for adding floral flavor to donuts, cupcakes, and lilac sugar, or infusing them into water or tea.

How to make lilac tea from lilac blossoms

First step: Harvesting lilac

Once you are sure you are harvesting Lilacs, select shrubs that haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. The safest way is to use lilac bushes that grow in your garden. Forage the flowers on a sunny day. You will need one lilac flower to make one cup of lilac tea recipe. Rather than washing them, carefully observe them and mechanically remove any bugs or dirt. The pollen is a carrier of fragrance and flavor, and you want to preserve that. I usually set the flowers outside for a while so that any tiny bugs hiding in them have a chance to escape. Then, remove green stems and keep just colorful florets. 

Second step: Steep the blossoms

Place 2 tablespoons of lilac blossoms in a teapot or kettle. Do not boil the flowers. Steep them instead. Bring a cup of water to a boil and pour boiling water over. Cover the mixture with a lid and let it steep for 10 minutes. Longer brews will be more potent, with darker colors.

Thirds step: Strain it

Strain out the lilac petals and enjoy your cup of tea. Remember to sweeten it with wildflower honey or dandelion honey.

Cold Brew lilac tea recipe (Ice tea)

PS: You can also make a Cold brew or iced tea. This I usually make in a larger size with one cup of lilacs for 4 cups of water. Use a jar pitcher to place your lilac petals. Pour over 4 cups of filtered water, cover with a lid, and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours. Make sure the flowers are fully submerged in the water. Strain the flowers afterward and serve them with ice, honey, lemon, and a few lilac petals for garnish.

Variations

You can add a few fresh lilac flowers to a cup of brewed green tea or white tea.

Steep them with fresh mint leaves in hot water for a refreshing and calming tea.

Combine fresh lilac and dried chamomile flowers in hot water for a soothing and relaxing tea.

Add a vanilla pod to a mixture before steeping to make vanilla lilac flavored tea with a unique flavor combination.

How to make lilac flower tea a lilac color?

The color of the tea depends on the color of the flowers. The more colorful they are, the brighter the color of the tea will be. If your lilacs are light, you can turn a few wild blueberries into lilac color.

How does lilac tea taste?

Lilac tea has a delicate and floral taste with notes of sweetness. It’s known for its unique aroma reminiscent of the lilac flower itself. Its flavor can vary depending on the variety of lilac you use and the preparation method. Although some people describe it as slightly herbaceous or grassy, I found a perfect beverage for a relaxing afternoon or evening, especially when accompanied by a slice of Matcha Cake.

How to store lilac tea?

to store it, make sure it’s completely cooled to room temperature. Then, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container or a glass jar with a lid. This will help preserve its freshness and flavor. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once the tea has been frozen, you can transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method is useful for using it in smoothies or other drinks. Lilac tea can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, turn the tea into simple syrup or jelly, lasting up to a year.

If you have harvested more flowers than you need, you can dry them for future use. Spread them on a baking sheet and let them dry in a cool, dry place for several days until dehydrated and brittle. Once dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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