Lilac Love Affair

This time last year, when we were limited to the places we could go, I spent much of my time going for walks and, what felt like for the first time ever, truly appreciating all the budding Spring blooms. I would bring my pair of clippers and go "foraging" for flowers to bring home. Lilacs were one of those flowers. I remember filling our apartment with them and they brought such joy during such an unpredictable time. This year has been no different with my love for lilacs. This past weekend I think I had about 4 different vessels filled with them. If you've been out and about recently, I'm sure you will have noticed them blooming everywhere! A couple weeks ago I saw someone on Instagram make a lilac simple syrup and knew I had to try it. While it doesn't really add much flavour, it adds an aroma that makes drinks a little extra special. Plus, the florets make for the prettiest garnish! If you'd like to give it a try, keeping scrolling for the how-to, plus two recipes you can make using the syrup: a Lilac 75 cocktail and Lilac Fog!

Lilac Simple Syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 cups lilac florets

Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and stir in the lilacs. Let steep for at least one 1 hour. The longer you steep, the more intense the aroma.

Lilac 75 (2 drinks)

1 oz lilac simple syrup

1 oz lemon juice

2 oz gin

2 oz champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine

lilac florets for garnish (optional)

In a cocktail shaker combine the lilac syrup, lemon juice and gin with ice. Shake. Pour into two glasses. Top with champagne. Garnish with lilac florets.

Lilac Fog (1 drink)

1 earl grey tea bag

hot water

1 cup milk of choice

1 tbsp lilac simple syrup (or sweeten to your taste)

lilac florets for garnish (optional)

Steep tea bag in a mug with a couple splashes of hot water. Steam or heat your milk with the lilac syrup. Pour into mug and garnish with lilac florets.