Lilac Honey: How to Make a Simple Floral Honey with Fresh Lilacs
Lilac honey is made by steeping clean, dry lilac florets in raw honey for several days. The result is a lightly floral infused honey that is perfect for drizzling over brie, yogurt, biscuits, and simple spring desserts.
These lilac blooms came from my son and daughter-in-law's yard, right at the tail end of the season, fully open and as fragrant as ever.
Lilacs never last long, which is probably why I feel the urge to do something with them every year before they're gone. Infused honey has become one of my favorite ways to hold onto that moment. I've made rosemary, lavender, thyme, and mint honey over the years, and each one captures something a little different from the garden.
This year, I'm leaning even more into edible flowers and have started adding them right into my herb garden. It feels like a natural extension, something beautiful and useful all at once. And this simple lilac honey is one of the easiest ways to bring that idea into the kitchen.
At a Glance: Lilac Honey
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- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Infusion time: 3 to 7 days
- Yield: 1 small jar
- Best lilacs to use: Fragrant, unsprayed blooms
- Storage: Room temperature
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- At a Glance: Lilac Honey
- Why you'll love this lilac honey
- What does lilac honey taste like?
- Can you eat lilacs?
- Ingredients
- Equipment
- How to harvest lilacs for honey
- How to make lilac honey
- Warm infusion option (optional)
- How long should lilac honey steep?
- How to store lilac honey
- Ways to use lilac honey
- Tips for success
- Frequently asked questions
- More edible flower recipes to try
Why you'll love this lilac honey
- A beautiful way to preserve spring lilacs
- Made with just two simple ingredients
- Perfect for tea, cheese boards, and desserts
- Makes a thoughtful homemade gift
What does lilac honey taste like?
Lilac honey has a soft, delicate floral flavor that complements the natural sweetness of honey. The taste is subtle and lightly fragrant, never overpowering, which makes it easy to use in both sweet and savory ways.
Can you eat lilacs?
Yes, common lilac flowers are edible when grown without pesticides or chemical sprays. Only use the small florets and remove the green stems, which can taste bitter.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup fresh lilac florets (any fragrant, unsprayed variety, white or lavender both work beautifully)
- ½ to 1 cup raw honey (enough to fully cover the flowers)
Equipment
- Spoon or chopstick
- Small glass jar with lid
- Fine mesh strainer
How to harvest lilacs for honey
- Choose fragrant blooms: Pick flowers that are fully open and highly fragrant.
- Avoid sprayed flowers: Only use lilacs that have not been treated with pesticides.
- Harvest in the morning: Pick after the dew has dried for the best aroma.
- Remove the florets: Gently pull the tiny flowers from the green stems.
How to make lilac honey
- Prepare the flowers
Inspect the florets and gently clean them if needed. Allow them to dry completely. Remove the flowers from the stems and foliage.
- Fill the jar
Add the lilac florets to a clean glass jar.
- Add the honey
Pour the honey over the flowers, making sure they are fully covered.
- Stir and seal
Press the flowers beneath the surface of the honey and secure the lid.
- Infuse
Store in a cool, dark place for 3 to 7 days. Stir once a day if desired.
- Taste and strain
Taste after a few days and strain when the flavor is where you want it.
Warm infusion option (optional)
If your honey is thick, place the sealed jar in a bowl of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the honey loosen and can gently speed up the infusion.
How long should lilac honey steep?
Start tasting after 3 days. Most batches develop a light, pleasant floral flavor within 3 to 5 days. You will find the flowers will float to the top and begin to turn brown.
How to store lilac honey
Store strained lilac honey in a clean, tightly sealed jar at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.
Ways to use lilac honey
- On a spring charcuterie board: Drizzle over brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese.
- In tea: Stir into herbal tea for a soft floral note.
- Over yogurt and fruit: Pair with berries and granola.
- On biscuits and scones: Serve with warm baked goods.
- With a simple cake: Brush over a lightly frosted or naked cake and decorate with fresh lilac blossoms.
Tips for success
- Make sure the flowers are completely dry
- Use a mild honey so the lilac flavor can shine
- Taste after a few days to avoid over-infusing
- Store in a cool spot away from sunlight
Frequently asked questions
If the flowers are dry and the honey is strained, it will keep for several months at room temperature.
You can, but straining gives a cleaner look and helps extend shelf life.
White, pale purple, and deep purple lilacs all work beautifully.
Yes, lavender, chamomile, rose petals, and thyme blossoms are all great options.
If you have a few lilacs left in the garden, this simple lilac honey is a lovely way to capture their fragrance before the blooms fade. It's easy to make, beautiful in a jar, and perfect for adding a soft floral touch to spring meals and gatherings.
Enjoy!
