Lilac tea is a delicate floral infusion made from the blossoms of the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Known for its calming aroma and slightly citrusy, floral flavor, lilac tea is often enjoyed for its soothing properties and gentle taste. Traditionally used in folk remedies, it’s believed to help with relaxation and digestion. To make lilac tea, fresh, pesticide-free lilac blossoms are steeped in hot water—either on their own or blended with other herbs like chamomile or mint. The result is a fragrant, springtime brew that captures the essence of blooming lilacs.
- 1 lemon sliced
- Raw honey (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lilac blossoms (2 teaspoons dried 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.
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.
Strain out the lilac petals and enjoy your cup of tea. Remember to sweeten it with wildflower honey or dandelion honey.
Stephanie Westbrook
