Wild Violet Syrup
Wild violet simple syrup is a delightful infusion that captures the delicate essence of springtime blooms. Made by steeping vibrant wild violets in a mixture of water and sugar, this syrup boasts a gorgeous lavender hue and a subtly sweet, floral flavor. Perfect for adding a splash of color and a hint of sweetness to cocktails, lemonades, or even drizzle over desserts, wild violet simple syrup is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast. Its natural ingredients celebrate the beauty of nature, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary creations and a lovely way to enjoy the wonders of wild, organic flowers. Kids will be amazed by how adding lemon juice changes the blue hue to a bright pink!
Learn more about how to find wild violets and more about their botanical properties here
Wild Violet Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup wild violet flowers (washed and free of dirt/insects)
1.5 cups water
1 cup sugar
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Gather Violets: Carefully pick fresh wild violets. Rinse them gently in cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Make Wild Violet Infusion: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed violets and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes (or set it in the fridge overnight).
Strain the Mixture: After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat. Pour the violet-water mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl. Press down on the violets to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the spent violets.
Create the Syrup: Return the violet-infused water to the saucepan. Add the sugar to the liquid and stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. If you’re using lemon juice, add it at this stage.
Simmer to Thicken: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The syrup will thicken slightly as it cooks.
Cool and Store: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool completely. Pour it into a clean, sterilized bottle or jar.
Refrigerate: Store your wild violet syrup in the refrigerator, where it can last for several weeks.
*Keep for 1 month in the fridge
Enjoy your homemade wild violet syrup on pancakes, waffles, or mixed into drinks!