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How To Make Rose Water Using Fresh Flowers

February 12, 2017 by Sandra Shaffer 55 Comments

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How to Make Rose Water using fresh flowers is much simpler than you may think!  All you need are flowers and distilled water. This recipe doesn’t get any easier and is a wonderful addition to your pantry

This jar full of DIY rose water is finished and ready to be used!

How To Make Rose Water

This bright ruby red rose water is stunning!  It may look like food coloring, but it isn’t! This is just the actual roses dying the water!

I’ve always wanted to learn how to make this for use in some of my favorite recipe recreations.  

As I experiment more and more in the kitchen, I love adding new ingredients, and this was an ideal fit for my recreation of some popular Middle Eastern recipes. 

Since I didn’t find it in local specialty stores, I knew I had to learn how to make rose water at home. 

I wasn’t disappointed when I whipped up this batch of rose water.  Not only was it one of the easiest DIY projects I have ever made, but the result was also even better than what I would have found in the store. 

A great addition to my pantry!

How to make rose water (for recipes) using fresh flowers! #diy #recipe #rosewater | www.thefoodieaffair.com

Is Rose Water For Cooking?

Yes!  Rosewater is ideal for adding to recipes, but it’s also something that adds a wonderful floral scent. 

While it is great for adding to beverages like used in this gin cocktail, cakes, it is also known to be used in skin and hair care products. 

Making a batch of this is easy enough that you will start using it daily not just in recipes, but in skin face toner and hair care products as well as for other benefits.

It has gained more popularity in recent years due to some mainstream brands creating special sprays and products featuring rose as an ingredient.

Fresh rose petals for homemade rose water #diy #recipe #rosewater | www.thefoodieaffair.com

How To Use Rose Water

Adding rose water to recipes only requires a teaspoon or two. Rose water acts similarly to extracts and in this case adds a simple floral flavor. 

  • Add to recipes for floral flavor and coloring
  • Use as a facial toner
  • Add to teas or lemonades for flavor and antiseptic properties
  • Spray on cuts and wounds to help aid in healing
  • Use for aiding in digestion
  • As aromatherapy use to help relieve headache pain

As you can see, this isn’t just about adding a floral scent or flavor to a recipe. 

Adding this to your pantry or refrigerator is ideal for cooking, skincare, and some relief of medical symptoms.  While not a cure for anything, it’s a great addition to homeopathic tools in your arsenal. 

Clear jar with homemade rose water.

How Long Does Rose Water Last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, can last up to 6 months when refrigerated. 

If making larger batches, you can also can with a pressure canner to last longer periods of time.

Here we see all the ingredients needed to make rose water at home.

How To Make Rose Water

There are several methods for making rose water, but I opted for a simple option using fresh flowers, and I am definitely happy with the result. 

  1. Start with 2 cups distilled water and clean rose petals from 2 roses. 
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of vodka as a preservative. 
  3. Simmer ingredients until the color of the rose petals is pale.  This takes around 30 minutes. 
  4. Allow the rose water to cool, then bottle and refrigerate for future use. 
  • This image shows the beginning of the process for how to make rose water.
    Gently clean and place petals in a saucepan
  • Now we can see that the rose petals have cooked a bit and their essence is imparted for us to enjoy.
    Simmer in distilled water with vodka
  • Straining the rose water before it is used makes it great for any application! It's great for rose water for cooking!
    After 30 minutes drain into a clean container
  • Now that we have strained the rose water we can learn how to use rose water in a variety of ways!
    Discard rose petals
Rose water steeping in a glass bowl #diy #recipe #rosewater | www.thefoodieaffair.com

If making homemade items is something of interest, make sure to check out my recipe for homemade stir fry sauce, homemade low carb barbecue sauce, red enchilada sauce, and my homemade teriyaki sauce.  

Continue to Content
Yield: 1 3/4 cups

How To Make Rose Water Using Fresh Flowers

This jar full of DIY rose water is finished and ready to be used!

Simple instructions on how to make your own rose water. Use in recipes or any diy skincare regimen.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • 1 cup (about 2 roses) petals cleaned
  • 1 teaspoon vodka (optional)

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan add distilled water, vodka and rose petals. Cover and bring to a simmer. Simmer until petals are pale (25-30 minutes).
  • Remove from heat and drain liquid though a cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard petals.
  • Notes

    Use fresh roses that are free of pesticides and fragrant for best results. Keep refrigerated and use within one week. If you are adding the vodka this will last longer , but I haven't test how much longer.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    16

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

    Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

    Did you make this recipe?

    If you like this recipe, don't forget to leave a review on the blog or share a photo and tag on @thefoodieaffair on Instagram

    © Sandra @ The Foodie Affair
    Cuisine: American, Mediteranean / Category: DIY
    Don't throw those beautiful rose petals away! Make fresh rose water that can be used in recipes and in diy beauty products like a homemade toner. #diy #rosewater
    Hugs Sandra Signature

     

    Filed Under: Baking, Dessert, DIY, Drinks, Floral Tagged With: DIY, DIY Valentine Day gifts, extract, flower, food gift, rose

    Previous Post: « Banana Cream Parfaits {made without pre-packaged pudding mix}
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jolina

      February 13, 2017 at 11:19 am

      This is so interesting! I’ve never thought of this as an ingredient, is it more for sweet or savoury dishes? It is perfect for Valentine though 🙂

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 13, 2017 at 1:57 pm

        You can use it for both sweet and savory. It’s so unique and common for Indian and Middle Eastern foods.

        Reply
    2. The Food Hunter

      February 13, 2017 at 1:18 pm

      I need to use rosewater more

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 16, 2017 at 9:27 pm

        Have you made it before? This is the first time for me.

        Reply
    3. christine

      February 13, 2017 at 1:53 pm

      I’ve never even heard of rose water. Well, maybe I have heard of it but never really for any recipe. You are a brave one to figure it out yourself. Great job!

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 16, 2017 at 9:28 pm

        Brave or stubborn! lol When I want something. I really, really want it and must find a way 😉

        Reply
    4. Melanie

      February 13, 2017 at 6:13 pm

      I’ve never really known what to do with rose water!

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 16, 2017 at 9:29 pm

        Oh stay tuned. I share some fun ways to use it up!

        Reply
    5. Emily

      February 14, 2017 at 7:41 am

      I am surprised by all of the ways to use rose water. I like the idea of using it for a lotion. It seems really easy to make!

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 16, 2017 at 9:30 pm

        I agree and so nice to know that you aren’t adding any chemicals to or in your body!

        Reply
    6. Lori Vachon

      February 14, 2017 at 8:54 am

      I’ve always wanted to make some homemade personal care items. Rose water seems to be a great starting point!

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 16, 2017 at 9:31 pm

        I just mixed some with some lavender oil for a room spray. It smells wonderful!

        Reply
    7. ManilaSpoon

      February 14, 2017 at 9:06 am

      I have seen many recipes which call for rosewater and avoid them as I can’t be bothered to make or buy it so thank you for your lovely recipe!!!

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 16, 2017 at 9:31 pm

        Now that you know how simple it is to make, go ahead and dig into those recipes!

        Reply
    8. Erica Schwarz

      February 14, 2017 at 11:25 am

      I’ve never heard of rose water either, but I totally get when you go to make a recipe and are missing something, and going to WkikiHow for ideas on how to do it yourself! I have done that countless times too lol. LOVE the color of your rose water. I bet the smell is amazing.

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 16, 2017 at 9:32 pm

        It really is lovely smelling. Light and fresh. The internet is an amazing tool 🙂

        Reply
    9. Jennifer

      February 17, 2017 at 10:45 am

      How long of a shelf life do you estimate this has?

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 18, 2017 at 8:34 am

        Hi Jennifer! Freshly made this should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a week. If you add the vodka it will last longer, but I’m not sure how much longer. Still in testing 😉

        Reply
      • Counts Nancy

        August 30, 2020 at 11:26 am

        Between 6 months to a year with the vodka or another natural preservative like organic Rosemary essence. Rosemary has natural preservative properties. Since this is a Water based DIY product and not oil based (like body butter or soap) I find these are the two easiest and best preservatives that won’t change what you are trying to accomplish as far as scent and color. I have actually been growing roses for over 20 years and use mostly Pink varieties for my Homemade Rosewater. It sells like Mad at the Farmers Markets in my area! 🙂

        Reply
        • Sandra Shaffer

          August 30, 2020 at 6:08 pm

          Thank you for this! I will try the rosemary. That’s a great tip!

          Reply
    10. Jennifer Corter

      February 17, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      This is so cool! I am going to have to try this!

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 18, 2017 at 8:35 am

        Rosewater is fun to make! Give this a try.

        Reply
    11. Kim

      February 18, 2017 at 7:30 am

      So cool! I’ve never thought about doing this!

      Reply
      • Janet Rue

        May 1, 2019 at 8:59 am

        Can I use tap water instead of distilled?

        Reply
        • AmandaKl

          May 1, 2019 at 9:05 am

          Tap water often has bacteria in it. If you can’t find distilled water, you can boil filtered water and let it cool back down to room temperature.

          Reply
    12. kirsty

      February 19, 2017 at 4:35 am

      I found this just in time to use up my rose from valentines! Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 19, 2017 at 12:45 pm

        Fabulous! Love when that happens 🙂

        Reply
    13. Erin

      February 27, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      Do you have to use pink/red flowers? Hubby just bought me some yellow roses!

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 27, 2017 at 8:48 pm

        Try it! Any color of roses will work 🙂

        Reply
    14. Barbara Emma

      March 3, 2017 at 6:12 pm

      if I made this and put it in a spray bottle wouldn’t help with my psoriasis?

      Reply
      • Barbara Emma

        March 3, 2017 at 6:12 pm

        I met would it help with psoriasis

        Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        March 19, 2017 at 9:03 pm

        Hi Barbara. I know rose water is good for maintaining the ph level of skin, but I’m not sure how helpful it will be for you. I think it would be worth a try!

        Reply
    15. Rocio

      March 4, 2017 at 7:19 pm

      I do something wrong! the liquid turn into something like blue 😮
      Do you have any idea what could i miss?

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        March 6, 2017 at 11:07 pm

        Hmmm, what color were your rose petals to begin with? The color comes directly from the petals, so the only thing I can think of is maybe the roses were spayed with something.

        Reply
    16. Kim

      March 18, 2017 at 12:22 am

      Oh THANK YOU for this recipe. I have many recipes n things that call for rose water, which I have had a hard time finding. Now I can make my own!!

      Reply
    17. Byanka

      June 10, 2017 at 10:20 pm

      So when I made rose water I always did it with regular drinking water and seems to help but does the type of water make a difference with it the outcome. Also I never rinsed my rose pedals before putting them in water to boil because I thought the heat of the water will kill anything thing bad . Am I wrong for that?

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        June 11, 2017 at 6:48 am

        Hello Byanka! You will get the same results with drinking water (out of the facet). Distilled is preferred because there may be bacteria in tap water that isn’t good for florals. You could boil the tap water before using it. I rise the flower petals like I do my vegetables. The water will rinse off any pollen or light residue. You need to boil the water to kill bacteria. Hope this helps.

        Reply
    18. Diana

      March 18, 2018 at 4:04 am

      Only use the petals from edible roses! Other rose petals can be toxic!

      Reply
    19. Asia

      April 23, 2018 at 4:33 am

      Thank you for the recipe. Every year a festival comes & it’s the first stop to get rosewater. So delicious like roses in your mouth. Found at health food store but without the color was a disappointment. Will try your recipe.

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        April 23, 2018 at 8:31 pm

        Oh, I would be disappointed too if I bought rose water and there wasn’t a pretty hue to it. You’ll love making this on your own!

        Reply
    20. sarah

      May 1, 2020 at 5:51 am

      this looks wonderful. and as a note to the above poster, all varieties of roses are edible.

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        May 2, 2020 at 11:17 am

        Thanks, Sarah!

        Reply
    21. MariTere

      May 29, 2020 at 7:17 am

      We are having a bit of a heatwave in the UK this Summer and I am emptying a spray bottle to fill with rosewater for my face, neck and wrists – to keep me feeling fresh through the day. I have distilled my own water to follow the recipe but you could also put the petals in the water and distil everything at once. Not sure when to add the vodka though?

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        May 29, 2020 at 2:49 pm

        Hello! The vodka is just a preservative, so I add it at the end when ready to bottle. I’ll clarify in the post. Thank you for trying making this homemade rose water. Stay nice and cool! Sandra

        Reply
    22. kat

      September 13, 2020 at 2:58 am

      Thanks to the recipe. I tried it and it came out perfect.

      Reply
    23. Lesslie

      September 16, 2020 at 7:01 am

      Regularly I used rosewater in my daily skincare routine. This homemade rosewater toner is more effective for skin. So this article very useful and informative. Thank you for this amazing article.

      Reply
    24. Dandre

      October 21, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      I am so glad I found this post! It is exactly what I was looking for! Gorgeous blog!

      Reply
    25. Lisa

      November 5, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      Hi, what is the shelf life of this rose water? Do we need to add any preservatives?

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        November 5, 2020 at 7:16 pm

        Hi Lisa! You can add 1 teaspoon of vodka, the alcohol acts as a preservative. This will be good for several years.

        Reply
    26. :-)

      December 2, 2020 at 1:28 am

      This recipe looks amazing but since youre adding vodka im not sure thats good for skin.

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        December 3, 2020 at 5:36 pm

        Hi there! Actually, there is a lot of alcohol listed in the ingredients for toners and several other beauty products. Since you use so little I don’t think this will be harmful. It just preserves the rose water longer, but it’s definitely your choice. Thank you for stopping by.

        Reply
    27. Dr. Marin Todorov

      January 25, 2021 at 10:27 am

      We produce Natural Rose Water from Damascene Rose

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        January 25, 2021 at 12:37 pm

        Wonderful! I bet is is lovely. I love the beautiful scent!

        Reply
    28. kitty Clark

      February 23, 2021 at 8:42 am

      Hello, I love this recipe. I have been trying to figure out how to use my roses for Rose water. I definitely will be trying this in the summer when my roses start blooming.

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        February 23, 2021 at 11:38 am

        It’s so easy and satisfying when you can get to preserve those roses in a different way!

        Reply

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    Hi! My name is Sandra. I’m a health enthusiast, a recipe tweaker, and a wine sipper!! On my website I share my favorite family dishes… some are healthy low carb recipes, some are sinful, but all are delicious!

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