Lilacs have a very short season, and I love using them in recipes while they last. Lilac lemonade has a delicate floral flavour without being overwhelming.
This lemonade requires the syrup to be made in advance, and it’s a cold infusion, so plan for at least 24 hours ahead. You could do a hot infusion but I find lilacs in particular suffer from being steeped in a hot syrup.
It’s refreshing, just lightly sweet, and a beautiful naturally pink lemonade. I know lilac season has ended for many by now, but we’ve had a particularly cold spring, and in some northern regions they’re just beginning. If yours are already finished, just save the recipe for next year!
Ingredients
- Lilac Syrup: half the recipe is finished if you’ve already made the syrup. This sweetens and flavours the lemonade.
- Lemons: fresh, for juice – you want some of the lemon bits in the drink, too.
- Water: cold tap (or filtered), or use sparkling water.

Notes and Substitutions
There aren’t many possible substitutions for this recipe. Try it with sparkling water instead of still for a homemade pop, but otherwise it’s much easier to add than take away.
Mix in some muddles berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a fruity lemonade. If you’d like a cocktail, I think vodka is probably best, but I haven’t tried it.
I served with lilac ice cubes – just blossoms frozen in water – but note that once the ice thaws, the flowers start to turn brown. They look very pretty for about half an hour but if you haven’t finished your drink by then the blossoms start to look less appealing.
More Spring Drinks
Honey Rhubarb Lemonade
Strawberry Slush with Lime
Elderflower Lemonade
Strawberry Milk
Elderflower Lime Spring Mocktail

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Lilac Lemonade
Ingredients
- 250 ml honey lilac syrup
- Juice of 4 lemons about 1/2 cup – to taste
- 1 litre 4 cups water (still or sparkling)
- Ice to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Add the lilac syrup and lemon juice to a pitcher and use a spoon or whisk to stir until combined. This is important if using sparkling water.250 ml honey lilac syrup, Juice of 4 lemons
- Top with the water and gently stir to mix. Chill before serving, or serve with ice.1 litre, Ice
- The lemonade will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator but is best fresh.
* For American cup measurements, please click the pink link text above the ingredient list that says ‘American’.
Nutrition
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
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