How To Make Rose Water using Fresh Flowers is much simpler than you may think! All you need are the flowers and distilled water. Add a splash of vodka to help preserve the water if you would like.
Isn’t this bright ruby red rose water beautiful? If I didn’t make this myself I would think that the rose water got a little brighter with food coloring.
Nope. No enhancements. The color is a natural beauty straight from the petals of the flowers!
Last week I was feeling a little creative and thought I dive outside of my cooking comfort zone and try making a couple of recipes that are popular in the Middle East.
I had my eyes on a cake that would be lovely for Valentine’s Day, but as I was gathering my ingredients I came to a road block. I couldn’t find rose water!
I was on a serious hunt and went to every Latin as well as Asian and Mediterranean specialty stores without any luck. I had super high hopes that World Market would carry it, but I struck out there too.
That’s when I thought, “ok, I must learn how to make rose water myself!
I learned from WikiHow that there are several ways to make rose water. One method requires the crushing of the petals, and another you use dried flowers. I opted for a simple 30 minute method using fresh flower petals and I’m so happy with the results!
Adding rose water to recipes only requires a teaspoon or two. Rose water acts similar to extracts. In this case the rose water adds a hint of floral flavor.
To make rose water you need just two cups of distilled water, and clean rose petals from about two roses. I added a teaspoon of vodka, which will act as a preservative.
Simmer all the ingredients until the color of the rose petals are pale, which only takes between 20-30 minutes. That’s how to make rose water! I’ll never have to hunt for it again!
I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and try some new recipes. In the meantime, add some rose water to whipped cream, yogurt, sparkling wine or fresh cut up fruit!
But don’t limit using rose water in just recipes. How about making a face toner, body lotion or check out this list of 10 rose water benefits! The fun has just begun!
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1 cup (about 2 roses) petals cleaned
- 1 teaspoon vodka (optional)
- 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.
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 🙂
You can use it for both sweet and savory. It’s so unique and common for Indian and Middle Eastern foods.
I need to use rosewater more
Have you made it before? This is the first time for me.
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!
Brave or stubborn! lol When I want something. I really, really want it and must find a way 😉
I’ve never really known what to do with rose water!
Oh stay tuned. I share some fun ways to use it up!
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!
I agree and so nice to know that you aren’t adding any chemicals to or in your body!
I’ve always wanted to make some homemade personal care items. Rose water seems to be a great starting point!
I just mixed some with some lavender oil for a room spray. It smells wonderful!
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!!!
Now that you know how simple it is to make, go ahead and dig into those recipes!
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.
It really is lovely smelling. Light and fresh. The internet is an amazing tool 🙂
How long of a shelf life do you estimate this has?
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 😉
This is so cool! I am going to have to try this!
Rosewater is fun to make! Give this a try.
So cool! I’ve never thought about doing this!
I found this just in time to use up my rose from valentines! Thank you! 🙂
Fabulous! Love when that happens 🙂
Do you have to use pink/red flowers? Hubby just bought me some yellow roses!
Try it! Any color of roses will work 🙂
if I made this and put it in a spray bottle wouldn’t help with my psoriasis?
I met would it help with psoriasis
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!
I do something wrong! the liquid turn into something like blue 😮
Do you have any idea what could i miss?
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.
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!!
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?
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.