Wildflower Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh edible wildflowers (like elderflowers, violets, dandelions, clover, or lavender)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar (white sugar keeps the color light and floral)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, helps preserve and brighten flavor/color)

NOTE:  You can use food-grade dried flowers.  You'll use half the amount.  So in this case it would be 1 cup of whatever flower.  The water, sugar and lemon juice stay the same.  Such as:

• 1 cup dried wildflowers (like elderflowers, violets, dandelions, clover, or lavender)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar (white sugar keeps the color light and floral)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, helps preserve and brighten flavor/color)

DIRECTIONS

1. Gather & clean your flowers:
   • Pick wildflowers from a clean, pesticide-free area.
   • Rinse them gently to remove any bugs or dirt, then pat dry.
   • Remove stems and bitter green parts if necessary (especially with dandelions).
2. Make an infusion:
   • Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
   • Add the flowers and cover the pot. Let steep for 30 minutes to 24 hours (longer = stronger flavor).
   • Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve, pressing out the liquid.
3. Make the syrup:
   • Pour the strained infusion into a saucepan.
   • Add the sugar and lemon juice.
   • Simmer gently, stirring until sugar dissolves completely (about 5–10 minutes).
   • Don't boil hard—this keeps the flavor and color delicate.
4. Bottle it up:
   • Let cool slightly and pour into sterilized glass bottles or jars.
   • Store in the fridge for up to a month, or process in a hot water bath for longer storage.

🌼 Good wildflowers for syrup:

• Elderflower – classic, floral, and citrusy
• Violet – sweet, floral, and turns a gorgeous purple
• Dandelion – honey-like, great for spring syrups
• Red clover – earthy-sweet
• Wild rose petals – intensely floral and aromatic

If you would like to can them to keep longer then check out this next demonstration. You can grab this canning kit and jars for beginners or typically you can also get all the kits and supplies you need over at your local Walmart.

Wild Violet Syrup