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How To Make Rose Water

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Learn How To Make Rose Water at home with this easy recipe using only three ingredients. Rose water is a great addition to your kitchen, perfect for baking, cooking, or even skincare. Making it yourself means it’s pure and free from any unwanted additives. Follow these simple steps to create fresh, fragrant rose water in your kitchen.

A small glass bottle filled with rose water sits in a dish surrounded by red and pink rose petals, with more rose petals and a green rose stem in the background.
How To Make Rose Water. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

I know you have heard people use rose water as a toner for rinsing their faces, as skincare, as a room spray and as a moisturizer. But did you know it has great uses in your kitchen? This popular ingredient, mostly in Middle Eastern countries, can be added to desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes to give them a unique floral flavor. Let’s explore how you can easily make rose water at home and start using it in your recipes.

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How to Use Rose Water in Your Kitchen?

Rose water can be used in many ways in your kitchen. Add a bit to cakes and cookies for a light floral taste. It’s also lovely in drinks like tea, lemonade, flavored water, or cocktails. You can use it in cauli rice, chicken curry or sauces to add a unique flavor. Mix it into yogurt or whipped cream for a unique dessert topping. Try using rose water to make your dishes different and tasty.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Natural and No Calories: Rose water is easy to make at home, and it is a natural way to flavor your food without adding calories or artificial ingredients. 
  • Delicious Flavor: If you are wondering how it tastes, it has a hint of a floral taste that will make you want to have more.
  • Versatile: You can use rose water in drinks like water, tea, lemonade, and cocktails. It pairs well with lemon, mint, and honey. Plus, it adds a unique flavor to desserts, salads, and other dishes.
A glass vial on a surface covered with scattered red and pink rose petals.
Rose water recipe.

Fresh Roses for Rose Water

You will need fresh rose petals to make this homemade rose water recipe. They are better than dried ones because they have more moisture and natural rose oils, which makes the rose water more fragrant and flavorful. You can use dried petals, but they might smell less intense and require more time to simmer.

Fresh roses and even rose powder also give rose water a nicer color, so people, including me, prefer using them.

What Is Rose Hydrosol?

Rose hydrosol is fragrant water made from the steam distillation of rose petals. It is often called rose water, but it is stronger and more aromatic. Rose hydrosol or rose water can be used for skin care because it soothes and hydrates the skin, but you can also use it in cooking and drinks for a nice floral flavor, just like what I do. It is a natural product that comes from mixing water and roses.

Why Do We Need to Simmer Rose Petals?

The rose petals need to be simmered because this helps to extract the natural oils and flavors from them. This ensures that the rose water smells really nice and strong, and the simmering process allows the petals to release their essence into the water.

A small glass bottle filled with rose water is placed on a white plate surrounded by dark red and pink rose petals.
Rose water for cooking.

How To Make Rose Water At Home Using Fresh Flowers

With our simple steps and detailed instructions, you can easily make your own rose water at home. Only three ingredients are needed, and they are probably already in your kitchen. Now, let me show you how to make rose flower water.

Kitchen Gadgets Needed:

  • Cooking Pot: Use a medium-sized cooking pot to boil the water and simmer the rose petals.
  • Heatproof Bowl: You will need a small bowl inside the pot in the middle to collect rose water.
  • Glass Storage: A glass pitcher or bottle for storing your rose water.

Ingredients Needed:

  • Fresh Roses: Choose those organic roses that haven’t been treated with pesticides. You can use any color, but pink or red roses are better for color.
  • Distilled Water: Using distilled water instead of tap water is important for ensuring purity and preventing unwanted minerals or impurities from affecting the final rose water.
  • Ice Cubes: These are used during the process to help condense the steam and collect rose water.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING DIY ROSE WATER

First Step: Prepare Ingredients

Prepare all the ingredients. For the fresh rose petals, pluck the petals from the roses and clean them gently to remove dirt or bugs. You can also boil the distilled water in advance. At the same time, prepare your ice cubes by placing them in a bowl and the fridge until ready to use.

A white bowl filled with pink and red rose petals next to a bowl of ice cubes and a glass of distilled water with the text "How to make rose water" above.
Ingredients to make rose water.

Second Step: Prepare the Rose Petals

Place a small heatproof bowl in the center of a larger pot. Surround the bowl with rose petals, ensuring they don’t get inside. Gently pour water over the petals.

Step-by-step process of placing a bowl into a container filled with rose petals, followed by the pouring of liquid into the container.
Process of cooking rose petals.

Third Step: Simmer

Cover the pot with an inverted lid so the handle points down into the pot. Let the water simmer, and place 1 cup of ice cubes on the inverted lid. Simmer the pot over low heat for 20-30 minutes.

As the ice melts, soak up the water with a dry towel and add more ice as needed. The steam will condense on the underside of the lid and drip into the bowl.

Four-step process of making rose water: (1) Pot with rose petals is covered with a lid. (2) Ice cubes are placed on the lid. (3) Condensation forms and is wiped away. (4) More ice cubes are added.
Making rose water.

Fourth Step: Take the Rose Water out and Store

Turn off the heat and carefully remove the lid using pot holders. The liquid collected in the bowl is rose hydrosol or distilled rose water. Use pot holders to remove the bowl and transfer the rose water into a bottle for storage.

Two-step process of making rose water. Image 1: Rose petals boiling in water with a bowl inside a pot. Image 2: Hand pouring liquid from a jug into a glass container with rose petals around.
Making rose water.

TIPS AND TRICKS IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR ROSE WATER:

  • Roses: when choosing your roses, try to pick them up in the morning when they are at their peak because the fresher the roses, the more fragrant your rose water will be.
  • Do not use metal utensils: Use only glass or ceramic utensils when making rose water because using metal ones could create a metallic taste in the water, and we don’t want that.
  • Avoid Boiling: Simmer the rose petals gently rather than boiling them, as boiling can diminish the delicate fragrance of the roses.
  • Cooling Method: After simmering, allow the rose water to cool completely before transferring it to a storage container. This helps retain its fragrance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What Type Of Rose Should I Use for Making Homemade Rosewater?

For making homemade rosewater, it is best to use fragrant roses free from pesticides or chemicals. Look for roses specifically labeled as edible or culinary roses, as they are safe for cooking and making rosewater.

You can consider types of roses like Damask roses (Rosa damascena), Centifolia roses (Rosa centifolia), or Apothecary roses (Rosa gallica), which are often suggested because of their strong smell and uses in cooking.

A small glass bottle with rose water is placed on a bed of dark red and pink rose petals.
Bottle with rose water.

Does Rose Water Use Sweetener?

Rose water does not contain sweeteners because it is usually made by steeping rose petals in water to extract their natural flavors without adding sugar or sweeteners during the preparation process. But in recipes or drinks where rose water is used, such as in desserts, beverages, or cocktails, additional sweeteners like stevia powder, sugar-free honey, or simple syrup may be added to balance flavors with a bit of sweetness.

How Do I Store Rose Water?

Store rose water in mason jars or glass pitchers with a tight lid and place them in the refrigerator. You can also store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. The water can last for several months to a year. 

More Refreshing Recipes For You

If you want to know more about similar recipes and try them at home, I will share some of my most refreshing recipes here.

Our fruit-infused flavored water brings together a variety of sweet and citrusy flavors, perfect for enjoying every summer, just like refreshing cranberry juice and homemade iced tea.

For a good morning refreshment, you can choose from our fruity strawberry smoothie, creamy hot chocolate drink, or cold brew coffee, which is delicious and sugar-free. 

And just in case you are going to have some extra rose petals, dragonfruit hibiscus rose iced latte might just be the drink you are looking for.

Pin For Later

A bottle of rose water surrounded by rose petals with text overlay: "Quick & Easy How to Make Rose Water.
How to Make Rose Water.

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A clear glass bottle of rose water stands on a dish surrounded by red and pink rose petals.

How To Make Rose Water

Zuzana Paar
5 from 1 vote
Learn How To Make Rose Water at home with this easy recipe using only three ingredients. Rose water is a great addition to your kitchen, perfect for baking, cooking, or even skincare. Making it yourself means it's pure and free from any unwanted additives. Follow these simple steps to create fresh, fragrant rose water in your kitchen.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Drinks recipes, Pantry
Cuisine Arabic, Indian, International
Servings 4 Portions
Calories 1 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 Cups Fresh Rose Petals
  • 2 Cups Distilled Water
  • 2 Cups Ice Cubes

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”ja9Ttj6D” upload-date=”2024-07-07T13:53:15.000Z” name=”How To Make Rose Water” description=”Learn How To Make Rose Water at home with this easy recipe using only three ingredients. Rose water is a great addition to your kitchen, perfect for baking, cooking, or even skincare. Making it yourself means it’s pure and free from any unwanted additives. Follow these simple steps to create fresh, fragrant rose water in your kitchen.” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]

Instructions
 

  • Prepare all the ingredients. For the fresh rose petals, pluck the petals from the roses and clean them gently to remove dirt or bugs. You can also boil the distilled water in advance. At the same time, prepare your ice cubes by placing them in a bowl and the fridge until ready to use.
  • Place a small heatproof bowl in the center of a larger pot. Surround the bowl with rose petals, ensuring they don't get inside. Gently pour water over the petals.
  • Cover the pot with an inverted lid so the handle points down into the pot. Let the water simmer, and place 1 cup of ice cubes on the inverted lid. Simmer the pot over low heat for 20-30 minutes. As the ice melts, soak up the water with a dry towel and add more ice as needed. The steam will condense on the underside of the lid and drip into the bowl.
  • Turn off the heat and carefully remove the lid using pot holders. The liquid collected in the bowl is rose hydrosol or distilled rose water. Use pot holders to remove the bowl and transfer the rose water into a bottle for storage.

Notes

  • Roses: when choosing your roses, try to pick them up in the morning when they are at their peak because the fresher the roses, the more fragrant your rose water will be.
  • Do not use metal utensils: Use only glass or ceramic utensils when making rose water because using metal one could create a metallic taste in the water, and we don’t want that.
  • Avoid Boiling: Simmer the rose petals gently rather than boiling them, as boiling can diminish the delicate fragrance of the roses.
  • Cooling Method: After simmering, allow the rose water to cool completely before transferring it to a storage container. This helps retain its fragrance.

Nutrition

Serving: 2TablespoonsCalories: 1kcalSodium: 24mgCalcium: 14mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on July 7th, 2024
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

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2 Comments on “How To Make Rose Water”

  1. 5 stars
    I will make this and use to clean my face, instead of store bought cleansers and toners (that contain so many unwanted ingredients). Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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