The invention provides a synthesis method of tackifying alkylphenol formaldehyde resin. The synthesis method comprises the following steps: firstly, adding alkylphenol and an acidic catalyst into a reaction still; secondly, slowly adding 65 to 80 percent of the total amount of formaldehyde aqueous solution after the temperature is raised to 50 to 60 DEG C; carrying out reflux reaction for 1 to 3 hours and steaming out all water, then stopping distillation, slowly adding the remaining formaldehyde aqueous solution and steaming out the water; thirdly, after the reaction time is ended, raising the temperature to 140 to 160 DEG C; distilling out residual water and unreacted alkylphenol in a vacuum state; fourthly, distilling out entrained water and the unreacted alkylphenol, and drying an organic phase by distilling; adding water into the reaction still for washing, separating out a water phase and drying the organic phase to obtain a product disclosed by the invention. According to the preparation method disclosed by the invention, acidic ionic liquid is used as a solvent and a catalyst and replaces the acidic catalyst and the solvent in the synthesis method of the traditional alkylphenol formaldehyd resin, so that the extensive use of organic solvents is effectively avoided.