To make lilac floral water, you'll need fresh lilac blooms and water. The process is simple and results in a delicately flavored and aromatic drink.
Steps to Make Lilac Floral Water:
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Gather Fresh Lilac Blooms: Harvest lilacs in the morning after the dew has dried. Select blooms that are fully open and fragrant, but haven't started to wilt. Ensure the lilacs come from a source free of pesticides or herbicides.
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Rinse Gently: Lightly rinse the lilac blossoms under cool water to remove any dirt or insects. This step is important to ensure a clean and pure floral water.
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Infuse in Water:
- Place the rinsed lilac blossoms in a clean glass jar or pitcher.
- Pour cool, filtered water over the blossoms, ensuring they are fully submerged. A general ratio is about 1 cup of lilac blossoms per 4 cups of water, but you can adjust this to your preference.
- Cover the jar or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavor to infuse. The longer it infuses, the stronger the lilac flavor will be.
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Strain and Enjoy:
- Strain the lilac-infused water through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the blossoms.
- Discard the blossoms.
- Pour the lilac floral water into a glass and enjoy!
Important Considerations:
- Edible Flowers: Always properly identify your flowers. Not all blooms are edible, and some can be toxic. Lilacs ( Syringa vulgaris) are generally considered safe to consume in small quantities. If you have any allergies or sensitivities, start with a very small amount to see how you react.
- Flavor Intensity: Adjust the amount of lilac blossoms to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Storage: Store lilac floral water in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
- Other Uses: You can use lilac floral water in various culinary applications such as adding it to cocktails, lemonades, or even using it to make lilac-infused ice cubes.
Enjoy the refreshing and delicate flavor of your homemade lilac floral water!
