Step 1

Begin by harvesting your lilacs. Ensure the lilacs you choose haven't been sprayed with pesticides and are blooming in a relatively pollution-free environment (for example, harvesting lilacs that grow next to a busy road isn't ideal). Purple lilacs will also work in this recipe, however, the flavour and colour will be slightly more intense.

Step 2

Trim 4 -6 bushels from the lilac tree or bush.

Step 3

Remove lilac florets from branches. Wash lilacs thoroughly to remove dust, pollen and bugs.

Step 4

Add water and honey to a small pot, boiling for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add lilac florets, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to steep for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum floral flavour.

Step 5

Once the Japanese Lilac Honey Syrup has steeped, pour it into a bowl through a fine mesh strainer. Transfer to an airtight container and set aside -- it will keep for up to 1 month, refrigerated.

Step 6

Juice lemons.

Step 7

Build your Japanese Lilac Gin Lemonade in a cocktail shaker by adding 8 ice cubes, along with 1.5 oz of each ingredient. Shake vicariously, until cocktail shaker becomes cold.

Step 8

Strain contents into a tall glass with fresh ice.

Step 9

Garnish with lilac florets or a slice of lemon and a fun straw.

Step 10

Cheers!